FBI, NYPD Return Queens Murder Suspect to New York After More Than 20 Years on the Run

This evening, Nikolay Natividad returned to New York accompanied by FBI agents and NYPD detectives after more than 20 years on the run. Mr. Natividad was wanted for the alleged murder of Jamal Salas-Joya in July of 1991. The defendant was arrested by the Mexican Federal Police in June 2010 and had been appealing his extradition from Mexico; he landed at LaGuardia International Airport this evening at approximately 6:15 this evening.

FBI Assistant Director Janice Fedarcyk said: “Mr. Nativdad was brought home to face the justice he evaded for more than 20 years. The FBI remains committed to locating fugitives who evade both the law and their capture.”

New York City Police Commissioner Raymond W. Kelly said: “I want to commend Detective James Osorio of the NYPD’s Cold Case Squad for tenaciously pursuing homicide suspect Nikolay Natividad for many years, even after he was able to get himself deported in order to avoid prosecution. I also want to thank FBI Assistant Director Janice Fedarcyk and the FBI agents who were instrumental in facilitating Natividad’s return from Mexico.”

Mr. Natividad is wanted for allegedly shooting Jamal Salas-Joya late on the night of July 5, 1991, on Junction Boulevard in Queens, New York. The victim was pronounced dead at the hospital after being shot four times in the leg and back. It is believed the defendant had been living in Mexico since 2007.

A warrant for Mr. Nativdad’s arrest had been issued in February 2009 in New York Supreme Court, and later in U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York in May 2009. He was placed on red notice through Interpol in May 2009.

The investigation and apprehension of this fugitive would not have been possible without the assistance of the Mexican government, the New York City Police Department, and the Queens District Attorney’s Office.