Marchers Want Changes in U.S.-Mexico Extradition Pact

Galvanized by the slaying of a sheriff’s deputy whose killer allegedly fled to Mexico, a throng of marchers gathered Saturday in Santa Clarita to demand changes in an extradition treaty between the United States and Mexico that they say allows hundreds of killers to escape justice.

Organized by Santa Clarita officials, the “Dave’s March for Justice Rally” was named for Deputy David March, who was gunned down during an April 2002 traffic stop.

March’s alleged killer, Jorge “Armando” Arroyo Garcia, is a convicted drug dealer also wanted on two counts of attempted murder. Garcia, who was in this country illegally, is believed to be in his native Mexico.

Because that nation refuses to extradite citizens who could face sentences of death or life without parole, Garcia would probably not be returned to the U.S. even if arrested.

That policy has created a legal stalemate in what Los Angeles County law enforcement officials say are 200 to 300 local cases in which murder suspects have fled to Mexico.

With pleas both personal and political, attendees at the march and a rally implored state and federal lawmakers to press for revisions to the extradition treaty.

Anabella Vara was one of several relatives of murder victims who shared wrenching personal tales, speaking from a stage set up on College of the Canyons’ football field after marching with the crowd of about 500 through the campus.

After separating from her ex-husband, Daniel Perez, Vara was kidnapped and held at gunpoint in April 1999 by Perez, who shot her in the head and left her for dead.

Vara recovered, and Perez was charged with attempted murder but was released on bail. The day before his trial was to begin, he allegedly broke into the Vara home and murdered her father.

Although he had lived in the United States since the age of 2 and had repeatedly sought U.S. citizenship, Perez allegedly fled to Mexico after the slaying.

“I’m not going to rest until he’s back here,” Vara said, choking back tears. “This needs to change.”

Dist. Atty. Steve Cooley was one of several county officials, including Sheriff Lee Baca, who took part.

“Let’s put this in perspective,” Cooley said. David March “is one human being, albeit a son of Santa Clarita and a law enforcement hero.”

Cooley estimated that up to 3,000 murder suspects nationally had fled to Mexico to escape prosecution, and he said U.S. authorities needed to demonstrate a commitment to “protect your people” by pressing for changes in the treaty.

“How about move it off your agenda and make it a priority?” Cooley said.

Other attendees vowed to take more personal actions.

Ace Carter, 57, held aloft a handmade sign that read: Boycott Mexico -- Vacation Elsewhere. An avid fisherman who has often traveled to Cabo San Lucas and other Mexican resorts, Carter vowed not to return until the treaty was changed.

“I’m not going anymore,” he said. “I won’t spend a dime.”