In a significant breakthrough, Alejandro “Alex” Rosales Castillo, who had been on the FBI’s 10 Most Wanted list, was apprehended by authorities in Mexico on Friday. This arrest marks a pivotal moment in the pursuit of Castillo, who had been evading capture since being added to the list in October 2017.

The collaborative efforts between the FBI and Mexican law enforcement led to Castillo’s capture in Pachuca, Hidalgo, as confirmed by the FBI on Saturday. Castillo has been implicated in the tragic murder of his co-worker, 23-year-old Truc Quan Ly “Sandy” Le. Le was last seen on August 9, 2016, and her body was discovered in Cabarrus County on August 17 of the same year.

FBI Director Kash Patel highlighted the significance of this arrest in a statement, remarking, “Alejandro Castillo is the fifth FBI Ten Most Wanted fugitive captured since last year, more than the entire previous four years combined. That reflects leadership, not luck.” He emphasized the importance of strong support for law enforcement, stating, “When law enforcement is given clear backing and the freedom to act, results follow. The work of the FBI Charlotte field office, our state and local partners, and Mexican authorities was exceptional, and this arrest finally opens the door to long-overdue justice for Sandy Ly Le’s family.”

Details surrounding the circumstances of Le’s last known interaction with Castillo reveal that she had agreed to meet him at a gas station to collect a $1,000 debt. However, the meeting took a tragic turn, and her vehicle was later found abandoned by Phoenix police.

The capture of Castillo not only underscores the dedication and cooperation between international law enforcement agencies but also brings hope for closure to the family of Sandy Le, who have been waiting for justice for over seven years.

#BREAKING FBI Ten Most Wanted Fugitive Alejandro Rosales Castillo Captured in Mexico. @FBICharlotte Special Agent in Charge James C. Barnacle Jr., and @CMPD Chief Estella D. Patterson announce the capture of Ten Most Wanted Fugitive Alejandro “Alex” Rosales Castillo.
Castillo… pic.twitter.com/Xk368nfMBR

— FBI Charlotte (@FBICharlotte) January 17, 2026

The New York Post reported that Le agreed to meet Castillo at a gas station to collect $1,000 that he owed her. Phoenix police later found her vehicle abandoned. 

Two others were previously arrested in connection with Le’s death. Ahmia Feaster, who had fled to Mexico, later turned herself in, and then extradited back to North Carolina from Aguas Calientes. 

In March 2017, officials charged Felipe Ulloa with accessory after the fact of murder, according to FOX 46. Ulloa, Le, and Calientes reportedly worked together at a restaurant in Charlotte. 

Castillo is now waiting extradition to North Carolina from Mexico, according to the field office.

“The FBI and our partners at the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department have worked tirelessly to find and arrest Alex Castillo. For more than nine years, he lived a normal life, likely believing he would never be captured, but our experienced investigators never gave up the hunt for justice,” FBI Charlotte Special Agent in Charge James C. Barnacle Jr. stated.

“Sadly, Sandy’s family began another new year without her, we hope knowing her accused killer is in custody will provide some level of solace now.”

[Feature Photo via FBI]