U.S. Marshals 15 Most Wanted Fugitive Edward Salas Extradited From Mexico

Washington – U.S. Marshals Service 15 Most Wanted fugitive and convicted child killer Edward Salas was extradited today from Mexico. Salas was returned to Curry County, New Mexico to serve the remainder of a previously-imposed prison sentence for murder.

Salas was arrested by Mexican authorities on Oct. 4, 2012 based upon a U.S. provisional arrest request, which sought his extradition to New Mexico. The U.S. Marshals Service worked closely with the Department of Justice Office of International Affairs and the Curry County (NM) District Attorney’s Office.

“Salas’ crimes were horrendous and his potential for continued violence made his arrest a priority for the U.S. Marshals Service” said U.S. Marshals Service Director Stacia A. Hylton. “His capture is both significant and rewarding, and we thank our state and local partners and Mexican officials for their tireless persistence in bringing this fugitive to justice.”

Salas was added to the Marshals 15 Most Wanted fugitive list in December 2011. He escaped from the Curry County Detention Center in Clovis, New Mexico, in August 2008, and had been on the lam ever since. At the time of his escape, he was serving a life sentence plus 56 years for his role in the murder of 10-year-old Carlos Perez.

“When a child suffers at the hands of a killer, the pain is endured by the family, community and our entire society and when this tragedy strikes, the law enforcement communities come together as an unyielding force until those responsible face justice for the horrific crimes committed,” said Conrad E. Candelaria, U.S. Marshal for the District of New Mexico. “Due to the tireless efforts of many law enforcement professionals, spanning many years and hundreds of hours of investigation from agencies throughout the State of New Mexico, the United States Marshals Service for the District of New Mexico, and the Marshals Service International Investigative Branch, partnering with Mexican authorities, fugitive Salas will face justice long awaited.”

In the early morning hours of Sept. 15, 2005, Salas, along with his brothers Orlando Salas and Demetrio Salas and two other individuals, planned to murder Ruben Perez, reportedly in retaliation for an argument that occurred the previous day at the Clovis High School. Instead they killed his brother, Carlos, who was sleeping in the same bedroom. The child died just one day before his 11th birthday.