Mexico Will Try Fugitive Wanted in Slayings of 4
Mexico will try a U.S. fugitive from Los Angeles in the slayings of four Californians instead of extraditing him, Dist. Atty. Gil Garcetti said Wednesday.
“The Mexican government has determined that they will not release Mr. Alvarez,” Los Angeles County’s chief prosecutor said.
Mexican officials had said they would extradite David “Spooky” Alvarez, a U.S. citizen, only if Garcetti would not seek the death penalty. Mexico does not have a death penalty.
Mexico’s refusal to extradite Alvarez had jeopardized relations between that country and Los Angeles authorities.
Mexican prosecutors would seek the maximum sentence, Garcetti said.
Garcetti had asked the U.S. government to get involved and U.S. Sens. Barbara Boxer and Dianne Feinstein have written letters to the Mexican government seeking Alvarez’s unconditional return to the United States.
Alvarez, 30, of Highland Park, is wanted in the slayings of two adults and two children Sept. 29, 1996, in a Baldwin Park home.
Alvarez was arrested May 20 at a Tijuana restaurant.
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
