John McCarthy
CLEVELAND (WJW) — U.S. Marshals in northeast Ohio have tracked down and arrested a man wanted for a murder in Puerto Rico, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.
In a media release, officials said members of the U.S. Marshals Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force (NOVFTF) arrested 24-year-old Neftali Esquilin-Lebron.
Esquilin-Lebron was wanted by the Puerto Rico Police Bureau – Humacao Criminal Investigation Corps for a murder which occurred more than a year ago.
According to the release, in July 2024, a man was shot multiple times in front of a restaurant in Las Piedras. The man died as a result of his injuries.
Investigators from the Puerto Rican Police Bureau said Esquilin-Lebron fled Puerto Rico and was believed to be staying in northeast Ohio.
Esquilin-Lebron was arrested Tuesday afternoon by U.S. Marshals at an establishment near the 2700 block of E. 55th Street, the release said.
“Violent fugitives will never be welcome to hide out in our communities in northern Ohio. Our fugitive task force has always and will continue to pursue these suspects to protect our communities and to bring justice to the wronged victims of these senseless killings,” said U.S. Marshal Pete Elliott.
By DANIELLE LANGENFELD/Fox News 8
