Warning: This story contains graphic depictions of child violence that may be disturbing.
Slabangeles () — Two Washington state fugitives wanted for murder and multiple counts of child abuse have been arrested in Mexico, the US Marshals Service announced Friday, noting the first case involving a couple on the 15 Most Wanted Fugitives list. from the agency.
Edgar Salvador Casian-Garcia, 34, and his girlfriend, Araceli Medina, 38, were arrested last week by Mexican officials, the Marshals Service said, after being charged in Franklin County, Washington, with manslaughter with aggravated, four counts of child rape and child battery.
During the arrest, Mexican officials also recovered the couple’s five children who were listed as missing and under threat. The children were returned to the United States and taken into protective custody, US Marshals said.
is trying to locate the information of the lawyer for Casian-Garcia and Medina, who remain in Mexico pending extradition, according to US investigators.
“We are very grateful that all five missing children have been safely rescued,” said John Bischoff, vice president of the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children. “The charges against Araceli Medina and Edgar Casian-Garcia are egregious and we commend the unwavering dedication of law enforcement.”
The criminal charges came after two of Casian-Garcia’s daughters, ages 3 and 8, were found abandoned in Tijuana, Mexico, in late 2020.
“Both girls showed signs of severe physical and sexual abuse,” the US Marshals said. “Subsequent forensic interviews conducted with both girls determined that Casian-Garcia and Medina had likely been sexually abusing and trafficking the girls.”
According to Pasco, Washington police, the remains of the girls’ 7-year-old brother were later discovered in early 2022 by hikers in rural Washington. Authorities said they suspect the boy was tortured to death and dumped his body.
US Marshals said they believe Casian-Garcia and Medina fled to Mexico after learning they would be charged in the case. The agency had previously announced a reward of up to US$25,000 for information leading to his arrest.
“Advances in technology used by law enforcement, combined with assistance from our federal partners — in this case, the US Marshals — were critical,” Pasco Police Chief Ken Roske told . adding that the alleged murders and assaults have been tragic for his community. “I am grateful that the rest of the brothers have been rescued and are safe now.”
