Murder suspects caught in L.A. are returned to Mexico to face charges

Two Mexican nationals recently captured in Los Angeles County were turned over Tuesday to authorities in Mexico, where they are wanted in connection with separate murder charges, federal authorities said.

The men also had convictions in California for driving without a license and driving under the influence, according to authorities with the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement office.

Jose Adrian Mendoza Del Muro, 33, has been charged with first-degree murder and attempted murder in connection with a May 2011 shooting in the Mexican state of Zacatecas.

Mendoza Del Muro was taken into custody May 14 at his home in South Gate and was granted a voluntary departure earlier this month by an immigration judge.

He had a previous state conviction in California for driving under the influence and was sentenced to 36 months’ probation, according to federal immigration authorities.

Luis Fernando Quintero-Heras, 44, is wanted in a 2000 slaying in the Mexican state of Sinaloa, where he is suspected of shooting a man in the head.

He was arrested on May 28 by U.S. agents at his home in Pacoima. He was also granted a voluntary departure by an immigration judge.

Quintero-Heras also has a previous state conviction in California for driving without a license and received 12 months’ probation, according to federal immigration authorities.

Both men were transferred to the custody of Mexican law enforcement authorities at a border crossing in the San Diego area.

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