Man accused of killing his wife and fleeing the country facing trial in U.S. after more than 30 years on the run
A man who fled the country after he was charged with the murder of his estranged wife more than 30 years ago is now behind bars in northern Virginia and awaiting trial.
A man who fled the country after he was charged with the murder of his estranged wife more than 30 years ago is now behind bars in northern Virginia and awaiting trial.
Jose Lazaro Cruz, then age 24, was charged with stabbing to death mother-of-three Ana Jurado, 24, in West Falls Church, Virginia, on April 30, 1991.
Cruz was identified as the prime suspect, but he traveled to El Salvador before authorities could apprehend him. The Central American country for years did not allow extradition, plus his location was unknown, making it impossible to have him deported.
Police said he had remarried and started a new family in El Salvador and was working as a truck driver.
However, in July 2022 authorities learned he had tried to enter Costa Rica to visit family but was detained. Fairfax County Police, with the help of U.S. marshals and the Department of Justice, were able to apply for his extradition, which happened last week.
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