Antonio Riaño, 62, of Zapotitlán Palmas, Oaxaca, Mexico, was arrested in Cincinnati on homicide charges in connection with the 2004 shooting death of Benjamin Becarra. Riaño fled the United States to avoid prosecution and was added to the Butler County Sheriff's Office's "Most Wanted" list. The crime entailed a shooting that claimed Becarra's life. Riaño was elusive for nearly two decades. Law enforcement agencies including the US Marshals Service, Butler County Prosecutor's Office, and the US Department of Justice's Office of International Affairs worked together to apprehend him. Riaño was caught while serving as a municipal police officer in Mexico. He is facing many charges, including two counts of murder and one count of felony assault. He was ordered held without bond due to public safety concerns and a flight risk resulting from his history of evasion. Riaño has another court appearance planned for August 12.
I wanted to help the people of Mexico
Antonio Riaño. Autographed Letter, Signed. Handwritten, Commercial #10 (4.125 × 9.5 envelope). Cincinnati, OH. October 23, 2024. Content unknown. SEALED.
Background Information on Antonio Riaño
Antonio Riaño is a 62-year-old man who was recently arrested in his hometown of Zapotitlán Palmas, Oaxaca, Mexico. He was wanted by the Butler County Sheriff’s Office for homicide related to the shooting death of Benjamin Becarra, a 25-year-old man, which occurred on December 19, 2004, outside the Roundhouse Bar in Hamilton, Ohio. Following the incident, Riaño fled the United States to evade prosecution and was subsequently placed on the Butler County Sheriff’s Office “Most Wanted” list.
Details of the Crime
The crime for which Riaño is charged involved a shooting that resulted in the death of Becarra. Evidence collected at the scene included a gun found in Riaño’s bathroom, which linked him directly to the murder. After fleeing to Mexico shortly after the incident, he remained elusive for nearly two decades.
Capture and Extradition
Riaño’s capture was made possible through collaboration between various law enforcement agencies including the U.S. Marshals Service, Butler County Prosecutor’s Office, and U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs. The investigation gained momentum again in January 2024 when authorities utilized social media platforms like Facebook to track him down. He was apprehended while working as a local police officer in Mexico.
On August 1, 2024, Deputy U.S. Marshals took custody of Riaño from Mexican authorities in Mexico City and transported him back to Cincinnati where he was booked into Butler County Jail pending court proceedings.
Current Legal Status
As of now, Antonio Riaño faces multiple charges including two counts of murder and one count of felonious assault. During his arraignment on August 5, he was ordered to be held without bond due to concerns about public safety and flight risk given his history of evasion. Prosecutors presented strong evidence against him including video footage of the incident and witness testimonies.
Riaño is scheduled for another court appearance on August 12, where further legal proceedings will take place regarding his case.
Conclusion
In summary, Antonio Riaño is a fugitive who has been charged with homicide stemming from a shooting incident that occurred nearly twenty years ago. His recent arrest highlights ongoing efforts by law enforcement agencies to apprehend long-sought fugitives and bring them to justice.
VIDEO: Man wanted for 2004 murder in Ohio found working as police officer in Mexico | https://youtu.be/2RBuyWvB_Xo
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