U.S. Marshals Add Suspected Murderer to 15 Most Wanted

Fugitive allegedly killed military veteran; possibly fled the country

The U.S. Marshals Service announced the addition of suspected murderer Peter Castillo to its 15 Most Wanted fugitive list.

On May 10, 2012, Castillo allegedly shot 22-year-old military veteran Stephen Perez in the back killing him following an altercation that occurred in the Boston Theater District. Castillo was immediately identified as the shooter by the Boston Police Department and a warrant was issued for homicide. Shortly after the incident, he allegedly fled to New York then to the Dominican Republic where he has extensive ties. As a result, a federal warrant for unlawful flight to avoid prosecution was also issued.

“The U.S. Marshals Service reserves our 15 Most Wanted list for the worst of the worst fugitives who are accused of the most egregious crimes,” said U.S. Marshals Service Director Stacia A. Hylton. “Peter Castillo’s alleged crimes have made him the latest addition to the list, earning him the full attention of the U.S. Marshals Service. We will use every available resource to bring him to justice.”

U.S. Marshal John Gibbons of the District of Massachusetts reiterated that commitment. “The Marshals Service is committed to assisting the Boston Police Department in locating and apprehending this violent fugitive. Castillo committed a brutal act by allegedly shooting an unarmed veteran in the back and must answer for his crime.”

Gibbons acknowledged all of the investigative work and man-hours already given to the case.

“I would like to recognize the Boston Police Department Homicide Unit for their outstanding investigative efforts with this case; they play a significant role on the Massachusetts Fugitive Task Force. As always, we remain dedicated to working with our law enforcement partners to track down and apprehend the most violent fugitives.”

Castillo has an extensive criminal history to include prior arrests for resisting arrest and assaulting a police officer. Given his violent background assaulting law enforcement and the use of weapons, Castillo should be considered armed and dangerous.

“The U.S. Marshals Service 15 Most Wanted program benefits greatly from an extensive global network that includes deputies and law enforcement partners at the local, state, and international levels,” said Hylton. “Castillo and other fugitives who may flee our nation’s borders in an attempt to evade capture will learn the global reach of the U.S. Marshals Service as we stop at nothing to bring them to justice.”

The victim, Perez, was a U.S. Army veteran who served two tours of duty in the Middle East as a sniper. At the time of the incident, Perez was attending Bunker Hill Community College and majoring in criminology.

A reward of up to $25,000 is being offered for information leading directly to Castillo’s arrest. Anyone with information is urged to contact the nearest U.S. Marshals office or the U.S. Marshals Service Communications Center at 1-800-336-0102.