U.S. Marshals 15 Most Wanted Fugitive Captured in Argentina

WASHINGTON – Paul Merle Eischeid, one of the U.S. Marshals 15 Most Wanted Fugitives, was captured today in Buenos Aires by Argentinean authorities.

Investigations by the U.S. Marshals Service and Diplomatic Security Service in Argentina developed specific information with regard to his possible location, at which time authorities contacted Interpol and local Argentinean authorities in an effort to locate and arrest Eischeid. An Interpol Red Notice had been issued.    

Eischeid, 39, was sought in connection with the brutal murder of a Phoenix area woman. The former Charles Schwab stockbroker is a member of the Hell’s Angels Motorcycle Club, and is also wanted by federal authorities for drug trafficking and violating the RICO (Racketeering Influenced Corrupt Organization) statutes.

“Eischeid’s crimes were horrendous and his potential for continued violence made his arrest a priority for the U.S. Marshals,” said Stacia A. Hylton, Director of the U.S. Marshal Service. “His capture is both significant and rewarding, and we thank our domestic and international partners for their tireless persistence in bringing this fugitive to justice.”

In 2007, the Maricopa County, Arizona Attorney’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives requested the assistance of the United States Marshals Service in apprehending Eischeid for questioning in the 2001 murder of Cynthia Garcia, and the federal charges.  Garcia was allegedly attacked while attending a party at the Hell’s Angels’ clubhouse in Mesa, Arizona, severely beaten, thrown in the trunk of a car, and taken to the desert where she was brutally stabbed and left for dead," said David Gonzales, U.S. Marshal for the Arizona district.

In 2003, Eischeid was arrested after being indicted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for drug trafficking and RICO violations, including counts of kidnapping and murder. Several additional Hells Angels members also were indicted. Due to Eischeid’s career as a stockbroker and his relatively clean criminal record, he was released on his personal recognizance and placed on federal pretrial release with electronic monitoring.

During their investigation, agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives learned Eischeid allegedly was involved in Garcia’s murder. Eischeid, however, had removed the monitoring device and later fled Arizona.

The U.S. Marshals added Eischeid to the 15 Most Wanted list in 2007 for two reasons: first, the murder-and-mauling charge he faces is one of the most grisly in recent American criminal history. Second, the threat he posed to anyone with whom he came into contact. 

Other agencies involved in the investigation include INTERPOL, Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs, ATF, Diplomatic Security Service, Maricopa County Sherriff’s Office, Arizona Department of Public Safety and the Argentine Federal Police.

Additional information about the U.S. Marshals Service can be found at http://www.usmarshals.gov.