FBI nabs Charlotte murder suspect on ’10 Most Wanted’ list | Eastern NC Now

    Publisher's Note: This post appears here courtesy of the Carolina Journal. The author of this post is Nick Craig.

    The FBI has captured Alejandro "Alex" Rosales Castillo, who is on the 10 Most Wanted Fugitive list and wanted in connection with a 2016 murder in Charlotte.

    Castillo, crossed from the US into Mexico on Aug. 16, 2016, one day before the body of 23-year-old Truc Quan "Sandy" Ly Le was found in a wooded area in Cabarrus County. A state arrest warrant was issued in North Carolina on Nov. 2, 2016, charging Castillo with first-degree murder.

    Castillo was captured in Pachuca, Hidalgo, Mexico, on Jan. 16, 2026. The FBI's Law Enforcement Attache Office in Mexico City, where he awaits extradition to North Carolina, coordinated with local law enforcement to detain Castillo.

    FBI Charlotte Special Agent in Charge James C. Barnacle Jr. highlighted the extent of the capture.

    "The FBI and our partners at the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department have worked tirelessly to find and arrest Alex Castillo," Barnacle said. "For more than nine years, he lived a normal life, likely believing he would never be captured, but our experienced investigators never gave up the hunt for justice. Sadly, Sandy's family began another new year without her, we hope knowing her accused killer is in custody will provide some level of solace now."

    FBI Director Kash Patel emphasized the agency's strong track record in capturing high-level fugitives.

    "Alejandro Castillo's arrest is the fifth Ten Most Wanted Fugitive captured under this administration and this FBI since last year - more than the entire previous four years combined," said Patel. "That's no accident. When you have an administration who gives law enforcement the support to execute the mission, they get the job done like nobody else. This was outstanding work by our Charlotte team, FBI Legat Mexico, local and federal partners, and partners in Mexico - and we can now begin the process of delivering long-awaited justice for Sandy Ly Le's family."

    Charlotte-Mecklenburg Chief of Police Estella D. Patterson stressed the importance of cross-agency work in capturing Castillo.

    "This case shows the power of collaboration among law enforcement agencies at every level," said Patterson. "Working together, CMPD and our partners will go to great lengths to hunt fugitives down and ensure justice is served. This joint effort sends a clear message that those who commit violent crimes cannot outrun justice. Bringing this fugitive to justice makes Charlotte and other communities safer, and while nothing can heal the loss Sandy's family has endured, we hope this step brings them some peace."