USMS Task Force Investigation Leads to Arrest in Juarez, Mexico

Las Cruces, NM – The U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) District of New Mexico (D/NM) Southwest Investigative Fugitive Team (SWIFT) developed information on April 9, 2024, resulting in the arrest of a man in Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua, MX. The subject was wanted for his involvement in a homicide that took place in Mesilla, New Mexico on April 1, 2024.

Oscar Renee Sandoval, 57, was arrested by Mexican authorities, after leads were developed through a multiagency effort to locate and apprehend Sandoval.

Sandoval was wanted by the Mesilla Marshals in Mesilla, NM for the murder of his wife on the night of April 1, 2024, near University Avenue and Stanford Street.

The United States Marshal Service, D/NM SWIFT adopted the case on April 2nd. With the assistance from the Department of Homeland Security, Customs and Border Protection, the Mesilla Marshals, and the Dona Ana County Sheriff’s Office, leads of Sandoval’s whereabouts began to develop, ultimately leading authorities to Ciudad Juarez, MX.

On April 9, 2024, Mexican authorities “Agencia Estatal de Investigacion de Chihuahua” (AEI) located and placed Sandoval into custody in Ciudad Juarez.

On April 10, 2024, Sandoval was deported by Mexican officials and placed into the custody of the United States Marshals Service D/NM at the Port of Entry in Santa Teresa, NM. Sandoval was subsequently booked into the Dona Ana County Detention Center pending the charge of First-Degree Murder (Willful and Deliberate).

“I would like to thank the United States Marshals Service, Department of Homeland Security, Customs and Border Protection, and the Dona Ana County Sheriff’s Office for their collaboration with the arrest of Oscar Sandoval. We are a small department with a big department mentality. We are thankful for the partnerships and resources made available by our federal and local partners. On behalf of the Mesilla Marshals Office, we thank all involved in ensuring justice was served.” stated Sargent Tress Diaz of the Mesilla Marshals.

“Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) is proud to have partnered in a unified and effective manner with our law enforcement partners on both sides of the border to assist with the return of a sought-after homicide suspect back to U.S. soil,” said HSI El Paso Acting Special Agent in Charge Eric McLoughlin. “Cases like this continue to send a message to those evading justice that there is nowhere they can hide, and they will be held accountable for their actions.”

“The United States Marshal Service in the District of New Mexico, is committed to protecting our communities by relentlessly locating, pursuing, and apprehending fugitives – domestically and internationally. The arrest of Oscar Sandoval is an example of the collective partnerships and dedication demonstrated by local, state, and federal law enforcement personnel committed to protecting the citizens that we serve.”  - Acting U.S. Marshal, Russell Lashley

The U.S. Marshals Service District of New Mexico – Southwest Investigative Fugitive Team for this arrest was composed of officers/agents from the USMS Taskforce, Homeland Security Investigations, Customs and Border Protection, Mesilla Marshals, and the Dona Ana County Sheriff’s Office.

Anyone with information on wanted fugitives is urged to contact the nearest U.S. Marshals office, the U.S. Marshals Service Communications Center at 1-800-336-0102 or the USMS Tips App.