Dallas Fugitive Captured in Mexico and Returned to the United States for Prosecution

DALLAS—The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) announces Mark Anthony Ponce, 26, fugitive wanted for capital murder in Dallas County, was returned to the United States following his deportation from Mexico.

Ponce, who was wanted for federal unlawful flight to avoid prosecution, was located in Aguascalientes, Mexico, on October 16, 2019, and detained by a team of Aguascalientes State Police Officers. Ponce was transported to Mexico City and escorted back to Dallas by an agent with the Instituto Nacional de Migración and an agent with the FBI’s Legal Attaché Office (Legat) in Mexico City. Ponce arrived on October 17, 2019, at DFW Airport. FBI Dallas special agents then transferred him to the custody of the Dallas Police Department who booked him into the Dallas County Jail.

On September 17, 2014, Mark Anthony Ponce allegedly kicked in the front door of his ex-girlfriend’s apartment in Dallas, Texas. Ponce allegedly shot and killed his ex-girlfriend’s boyfriend, who was visiting at the time. Ponce immediately fled the scene of the crime. After a local arrest warrant was issued for Ponce, he was charged with capital murder on September 18, 2014. A federal arrest warrant was issued on November 19, 2014, by the United States District Court, Northern District of Texas, Dallas Division, after Ponce was charged with unlawful flight to avoid prosecution.

The FBI Dallas Violent Crime Task Force, FBI Legat Mexico City, Aguascalientes State Police, and the Instituto Nacional de Migración worked collaboratively to ensure Ponce’s arrest. His return was funded by the United States Government’s “Project Welcome Home,” which provides funding to assist in the transportation of federal fugitives to the United States.

The FBI continues to work with its law enforcement partners to apprehend criminals charged with state crimes who then flee the jurisdiction. Photos and descriptions of many fugitives wanted by the FBI can be found on the FBI’s Wanted webpage on www.fbi.gov or the FBI’s Wanted app.

Inquiries regarding Ponce’s detention and pending prosecution should be directed to the Dallas Police Department and Dallas County District Attorney’s Office.