One of FBI’s Most Wanted Fugitives Finally Caught

The arrest of Arnoldo Jimenez marks a significant victory in international crime fighting, but how did the pursuit conclude in Mexico after such a prolonged manhunt?

Key Takeaways

Arnoldo Jimenez was captured in Monterrey, Mexico, for the alleged murder of his wife on their wedding night.
Jimenez’s capture showcases effective international law enforcement collaboration.
The FBI’s Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list has successfully facilitated the capture of 496 criminals since its inception.
Public involvement has been crucial, with citizen cooperation leading to the capture of 163 fugitives.
The list offers significant rewards, which encourage public assistance in capturing criminals.

The Capture of Arnoldo Jimenez

Arnoldo Jimenez, on the FBI’s Ten Most Wanted list, was apprehended in Monterrey, Mexico. His capture is the result of a joint effort involving the FBI, the Burbank Police Department, and Mexican authorities. Jimenez, accused of killing his wife Estrella Carrera just hours after their wedding, eluded capture for over a decade by fleeing to Mexico. His arrest occurred without incident, and proceedings to extradite him back to the United States are underway.

One of FBI’s Most Wanted, accused of murdering wife after their wedding, captured in Mexico after over 12 years on the run https://t.co/DZl5nVaxpL pic.twitter.com/wqhhEyddxz

— New York Post (@nypost) February 1, 2025

The Tragic Events of 2012

On May 15, 2012, Estrella Carrera was found dead in her apartment bathtub, still clad in her wedding dress. Jimenez allegedly killed Carrera in his Maserati following a heated argument, later abandoning her body in her bathtub. He was charged with her murder and with unlawful flight to avoid prosecution. The couple had secretly married at Chicago City Hall the previous day, unbeknownst to Carrera’s family, who disapproved due to Jimenez’s history of violence, which included prior domestic abuse incidents.

The FBI’s Ten Most Wanted List

The FBI’s Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list was instrumental in Jimenez’s capture. Added to the list in 2019, Jimenez became the 522nd person to appear since its inception in 1950. The list’s effectiveness is evident, with 496 captures, primarily due to international law enforcement support and civilian tips, which have been essential in 163 cases. Rewards, sometimes reaching millions, incentivize citizen participation, making this list a pivotal tool in apprehending dangerous criminals globally.

Despite the success, eight criminals remain at large, including Alexis Flores and Ruja Ignatova, the latter wanted for a massive cryptocurrency fraud scheme. Ignatova’s capture could result in a $5 million reward, highlighting the ongoing value of public involvement.

A Milestone in International Cooperation

The successful capture of Jimenez underscores the efficacy of international cooperation in law enforcement, ensuring justice for victims and their families. The Burbank Police Department and FBI’s commitment played a crucial role, symbolizing a move towards a world where borders do not hinder justice. As Deputy Chief William Casey stated, “The FBI and Burbank Police Department were committed to bringing justice for Estrella Carrera and her family.”

The list stands as a reminder of the significant impact public cooperation and international law enforcement alliances can make. As extradition procedures press on, this landmark capture signifies that no criminal is beyond reach, emphasizing the justice system’s power to extend beyond borders.