FBI Director Kash Patel announced on Friday that a fugitive from the FBI’s Ten Most Wanted list, accused of a heinous murder in 2016, has been extradited to Charlotte, North Carolina, to face trial. This development marks a significant milestone for law enforcement as two fugitives from the notorious list were brought back to U.S. custody within a single day.
Alejandro “Alex” Rosales Castillo, who had been evading capture for nearly ten years, was apprehended in Mexico last week. He is accused of murdering his former coworker, 23-year-old Truc Quan “Sandy” Ly Le. The FBI, in collaboration with Mexican authorities, successfully facilitated Castillo’s transfer to law enforcement officials in Charlotte, Patel confirmed during a press briefing held in the city on Friday afternoon.
This announcement came shortly after Patel arrived in Los Angeles to oversee the extradition of another Ten Most Wanted fugitive, Ryan Wedding, a former Canadian Olympic snowboarder.
During the news conference, Patel expressed his gratitude for the resources and support provided by the current administration, attributing these efforts to the success of recent operations. “Our achievements are a testament to the leadership and unwavering dedication of our law enforcement personnel, backed by the commitment and resources from President Trump and his administration,” Patel stated.
FBI Director Kash Patel speaks about the transfer of Alejandro “Alex” Rosales Castillo to Charlotte Friday, Jan. 23, 2026. (WJZY)
“We’ve had so many more great successes because of the leadership and the dedication and commitment and the resources given to law enforcement by President Trump and this administration,” Patel said at the news conference.Â
“It is truly a historic moment when you can deliver not one, but two of the FBI’s most wanted fugitives in one single day. I don’t believe that’s ever happened before, and I’m not sure if it’ll ever happen again.”
Castillo was arrested in Mexico Jan. 16. (Getty Images; FBI)
Ly Le’s body was discovered in a wooded area of Cabarrus County, North Carolina, in August 2016.Â
Her vehicle was later found abandoned at a bus station in Phoenix, Arizona, and video showed Castillo crossing the U.S.-Mexico border from Nogales, Arizona, the following day, according to Patel.
A federal arrest warrant was issued in February 2017.Â
Castillo was added to the Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list Oct. 24, 2017, according to the FBI.
Castillo was added to the Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list Oct. 24, 2017, according to the FBI. (FBI)
“Sandy Ly Lee was a first generation college graduate who had her whole life ahead of her,” Patel posted to X. “Her family will never get their daughter back — but I hope today can help further the healing process and bring them peace in knowing that her alleged killer will face justice. It’s a huge day for law and order in America.
“Harm American citizens, and justice will find you.”
During the press conference, Patel also urged the public to show support for law enforcement officers.
“The one thing I ask of you guys in your communities is thank these folks here,” Patel said. “They do the work day in and day out, and they barely get credit for it.Â
“We will always be behind law enforcement because you protect our children, you safeguard our communities.”
