After 24 years, a suspect in the kidnapping and murder of C.R. from San
Diego was arrested in Mexico. V.L.W. was wanted in connection with the
murder that apparently was caused by a drug deal which did not go according
to plan. In 1988, the Drug Enforcement Agency was investigating a drug
deal involving $200,000 of methamphetamine. When one of V.L.W.'s business
associates got scared that he would be caught with the drugs, he passed
off the drugs to a dealer. In order to get the drugs back, V.L.W. tracked
down the drugs and kidnapped the drug dealer, the dealer's friend,
and his girlfriend. He said that they would not be released until the
drugs were returned. Even though the drugs were returned, the female hostage
died before she could be released.
V.L.W. fled the country before he could be convicted, but his brother was
convicted of murder and kidnapping for his role in the incident. He was
able to avoid prison for 24 years, until he was discovered working in
Cancun at the airport. He supported himself by selling time-share packages
and was even heard to boast to people that he was a wanted fugitive from
San Diego.
It remains to be seen exactly what he will be charged with, but kidnapping
and murder are among the most serious charges one could face. According
to the California Penal Code §208 (2011), kidnapping could result
in a prison sentence of up to eight years. California Penal Code §§187-199
(2011) says that murder is the
"unlawful killing of a human being, or a fetus, with malice aforethought." Those convicted of murder could be given the death penalty or put in prison
for life. If you are facing criminal charges, please do not waste any
time in getting in touch with a team of professionals at Martinian &
Associates!