Final Suspect Involved In Cop Slaying Arrested

3rd Suspect Captured On Murder Charge

San Antonio, TX – Jesse Santibanez, 25, was arrested this afternoon by the United States Marshals Service Lone Star Fugitive Task Force (LSFTF) in San Antonio, TX. An arrest warrant was issued pursuant to an investigation by the San Antonio Police Department (SAPD), where it is alleged that Santibanez committed murder.

On September 11, 2014, members of the LSFTF initiated an investigation in locating and apprehending Santibanez. This afternoon, through collaborative investigative efforts, members of the LSFTF, with critical assistance from SAPD’s Repeat Offenders Program (ROP) determined that Santibanez was hiding out in a house located in the 100 block of Canavan Avenue, on the south side of San Antonio. Task force officers conducted a brief surveillance, approached the house, and made contact with a resident at the house. Task force officers explained there was an active arrest warrant for Santibanez and received consent to search the house. Task force officers entered the house, located Santibanez, identified themselves, and took him into custody without incident. Other agencies that participated in the arrest were members from the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office Fugitive Unit, Comal County Sheriff’s Office, and Texas Office of The Attorney General.

On Sunday, May 4, 2014, Santibanez, and 2 accomplices, Alfred Cardona, 36, and Jerry Idrogo, 33, were allegedly involved in shooting and killing an off-duty Balcones Heights Police Officer after luring him from a business. Santibanez was the last of 3 suspects alleged to be involved in this case.

All 3 suspects will be held in custody at the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office pending trial.

Robert R. Almonte, United States Marshal for the Western District of Texas, states, “It is with a joyful heart that I express my sincere gratitude to members of the Lone Star Fugitive Task Force and the San Antonio Police Department’s Repeat Offenders Program for working so diligently and persistently at finding all the suspects responsible for committing this murder. SAPD’s ROP played an essential role in this investigation and now the soul of this fallen officer can rest a little easier knowing that these killers have been brought to justice.”

Members of the Lone Star Fugitive Task Force:

    New Braunfels Police Department

    San Antonio Police Department

    San Antonio Independent School District Police Department

    Bexar County Sheriff’s Office

    Comal County Sheriff’s Office

    Bexar County Fire Marshal’s Office

    Bexar County District Attorney’s Office

    Texas Office of The Attorney General

    Texas Department of Public Safety

    Texas Department of Criminal Justice – Office of the Inspector General

    Immigration & Customs Enforcement – Office of Detention & Removal

    U.S. Marshals Service