Murder Suspect Finally in U.S. Custody After Nearly a Decade on the Run

Allegedly bludgeoned victim and left body in NM desert

Dona Ana, NM – After nearly a decade on the run, murder suspect Eduardo Estrada-Garcia is finally back on U.S. soil to face his charges. The U.S. Marshals Service South West Investigative Fugitive Team (SWIFT) task force took custody of Estrada-Garcia on Thursday, January 22, after he was extradited from Mexico.

The Dona Ana County Sheriff’s Department in New Mexico wanted Estrada-Garcia for allegedly murdering Emely Ianni- Howard. On June 6, 2006, Estrada-Garcia allegedly bludgeoned Howard to death and left her body in the Chaparral Desert.

During the fugitive investigation for Estrada-Garcia, the U.S. Marshals worked closely with the Border Violence Division of the New Mexico Attorney General’s Office to develop information regarding his possible whereabouts, which ultimately led to his apprehension in Mexico in June 2014.

“While Estrada-Garcia evaded capture for nearly a decade, this case is a testament to the vehement dedication of the U.S. Marshals in the District of New Mexico and our many law enforcement partners who were resolute in their commitment to bring this fugitive to justice,” said Conrad Candelaria, U.S. Marshal for the District of New Mexico.

“I would also like to acknowledge the hard work and legal diligence of the Border Violence Division of the New Mexico Attorney General’s Office and the Office of International Affairs of the U.S. Department of Justice, Criminal Division, which navigated and facilitated the complex extradition process so that this fugitive could be returned to New Mexico and be held accountable for the horrific crimes allegedly committed.”