LAYTON, Utah — A man suspected of murdering his wife 11 years ago was captured near his Layton home last month and deported to Mexico earlier this week.
Ivan Tapia-Cacique, 40, will now face spousal homicide charges in connection with the 2002 disappearance of Georgina Rocha-Lona, according to a press release from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Tapia-Cacique allegedly fled Mexico to escape prosecution. Judicial officials in Mexico City issued a warrant for his arrest in 2003.
“Criminals who seek to escape responsibility for their actions by fleeing to the U.S. will find no sanctuary in our communities,” said Thomas E. Feeley, field office director for ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Operations in Salt Lake City, in a statement sent to FOX 13 News. “ICE works closely with law enforcement agencies here at home and abroad to promote public safety and hold criminals accountable – no matter where they commit their crimes.”
Tapia-Cacique was apprehended by ERO Salt Lake City’s Fugitive Operations Team and U.S. Marshals near his Layton residence in October.
ERO officers escorted Tapia-Cacique to the San Ysidro, Calif. border crossing, where he was turned over to Mexican law enforcement officials on Tuesday.
