Fugitive wanted for 1991 homicide in Massachusetts arrested at shrimp farm in Guatemala
12/16/2022 12:20 pm PST
IZTAPA, Guatemala (TCD) -- A 50-year-old fugitive who has been on the run for over 30 years was captured this week at a shrimp farm he reportedly operated in Central America.
According to Massachusetts State Police, on Nov. 16, 1991, Mario Garcia allegedly stabbed and killed Ismael Recinos-Garcia in Attleboro, Massachusetts, during a fight. Afterward, officials identified him as the suspect and issued a warrant for his arrest, but he fled before he could be taken into custody. He was added to the Massachusetts State Police’s Most Wanted Fugitives list in 2021.
In 2014, the State Police Violent Fugitive Apprehension Section (VFAS) reportedly received a tip that Garcia might be living in a remote area of Guatemala. In 2021, a detective with the VFAS who had been working on the case for years learned Garcia was likely on a shrimp farm in Iztapa. Officials from VFAS identified the specific shrimp farm and reportedly relayed that information to the U.S. Marshals Service.
Investigators from several law enforcement agencies reportedly confirmed Garcia’s location at the farm and learned he was using an alias. The Bristol County District Attorney’s Office and Department of Justice worked together to obtain a provisional arrest warrant.
On Wednesday, Dec. 14, the VFAS team went to the farm and served the warrant. According to Massachusetts State Police, Garcia "attempted to evade capture by jumping into a body of water at the shrimp farm but was apprehended and placed into custody."
Officials in the U.S. are working with Guatemala to extradite Garcia back to Massachusetts to face charges related to Recinos-Garcia’s death.
Massachusetts State Police Col. Christopher S. Mason said in the announcement, "We don’t forget, we are persistent, and we never cease in our efforts to secure justice for victims. The fact that we were able to reach into Guatemala to hold accountable someone who committed a homicide in Massachusetts is a result of both tenacious police work and the value of our relationships with local, federal, and international partners."
Attleboro Police Chief Kyle P. Heagney added, "We are glad that the victim, Ismael Recinos-Garcia, will finally have justice be brought forth for this senseless murder."
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