On June 6, 2006, there were published news accounts
updating the case of a man who fled to Mexico to escape
justice in the murder of a Los Angeles County Sheriff's
Deputy, Based upon review of the extradition process, this
is the current status of the case.
Extradition proceedings are continuing on schedule in
Mexico in the case of Jorge Arroyo Garcia, accused of
murdering Sheriff’s Deputy David William March four years
ago. Garcia, known by many aliases including Armando Garcia,
has been in custody in Mexico City since his arrest Feb. 23.
The District Attorney’s Office submitted its extradition
request to federal officials on April 6, ahead of the
required deadline, and the paperwork was submitted to
Mexican authorities on April 14. Mexican courts will review
the extradition request and could make a recommendation as
early as early next month. Although there are no time limits
for the Mexican court to complete its review, we are
confident that the court is working diligently and the
proceedings progressing in a timely manner. After the court
makes its recommendation, the Mexican state department has
20 business days to determine whether or not to grant
extradition. Garcia then has 15 business days to appeal. If
an appeal is filed, the process could be delayed a year or
more.
We fully expect that the extradition of Garcia will
ultimately be successful and he will be tried in Los Angeles
County for Deputy March’s murder. Mexican authorities
already have extradited several fugitives including Armando
Martinez, who fled to Mexico last July after allegedly
killing his ex-wife and wounding her boyfriend.
Martinez, charged with murder and attempted murder, was
arrested on Nov. 1, 2005, in Tijuana and returned to Los
Angeles County in May. His preliminary hearing is pending in
Whittier Superior Court.
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