Convicted Child Killer and Prison Escapee Added to 15 Most Wanted List

Washington – The U.S. Marshals Service has announced the addition of Edward Salas to its 15 Most Wanted fugitive list. A convicted child killer, Salas escaped from the Curry County Detention Center in Clovis, New Mexico, on August 28, 2008, and has been on the lam ever since. At the time of his escape, he was serving a life sentence plus 56 years for his role in the murder of 10-year-old Carlos Perez.

On September 15, 2005, Salas, along with his brothers Orlando Salas and Demetrio Salas and two other individuals, planned to murder Ruben Perez during the night, reportedly in retaliation for an argument that occurred earlier that day at the Clovis High School. Instead they killed his brother, Carlos, who was sleeping in the same bedroom. The child died just one day before his 11th birthday.

“Salas was party to a horrific crime, the murder of an innocent young child, and has been on the run for far too long,” said Geoffrey S. Shank, Acting Assistant Director for Investigative Operations. “There is no hiding from the long arm of the law. We will employ every available resource to locate, arrest, and return Salas to prison so that he can serve the remainder of his sentence.”

Nearly three years into his prison term, Salas and seven other prisoners escaped from the Detention Center. He made his way to Friona, Texas, where he stayed under the radar until November 27, 2008, when he was spooked from his hideout by law enforcement activity in the area. A fellow escapee, Luis Chaves, was arrested, but Salas disappeared.

“Salas committed a dastardly violent act against an innocent child and for this very reason every law enforcement agency within the District of New Mexico will relentlessly pursue justice against him,” said Conrad E. Candelaria, U.S. Marshal for the District of New Mexico. “This pursuit is now rippling with a wave of support throughout the entire United States; every Marshals Service office in 94 Districts will work collectively to ensure justice is served against this child killer.”

Orlando Salas, Demetrio Salas, David Griego, and Noe Torres were identified as Salas’ accomplices in this crime. Three of the four were tried and convicted. Authorities believe that Torres, who is also wanted for involvement in the murder, has fled the United States.

Salas is 5 feet 5 inches tall and weighs 180 pounds. He has brown hair, brown eyes, and scars on both arms.

A reward of up to $25,000 is offered for information leading directly to Salas’ arrest. Anyone with information is urged to contact the nearest U.S. Marshals office, American Embassy/Consulate, or the U.S. Marshals Service Communications Center at 1-800-336-0102.