Suspect in 2020 killing of Lesly Palacio returned to Las Vegas after Mexico extradition
After nearly five years on the run, the primary suspect in the murder of 22-year-old Lesly Palacio has been extradited from Mexico to face justice in Las Vegas, bringing long-awaited developments to a case that has gripped the community since 2020.
Four-year international pursuit ends
Erick Rangel-Ibarra, 30, was booked into the Clark County Detention Center on Thursday, August 28, 2025, on charges of open murder and destroying evidence. His return marks the culmination of an extensive international manhunt involving Las Vegas Metropolitan Police, the FBI, U.S. Marshals Service, and Mexican authorities.
“A short time ago, the United States Marshals brought the pursuit to an end when we brought Ibarra back from Mexico to Las Vegas,” U.S. Marshal Gary Schofield announced at a Thursday press conference. “He is now in the custody of the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department.”
The extradition process, which began after Rangel-Ibarra’s arrest in Mexico in July 2024, moved relatively quickly despite the complex negotiations required between two sovereign governments. Schofield credited the cooperation of Mexican law enforcement partners, noting they perform such work “often at great risk.”
The tragic disappearance
Lesly Palacio was last seen alive on August 29, 2020, when surveillance video captured her with Rangel-Ibarra at the Longhorn Casino & Hotel in Las Vegas. When she failed to return home, her family reported her missing the following day.
After an intensive search involving LVMPD, Moapa Tribal Police, and Red Rock Search & Rescue, Palacio’s body was discovered on September 9, 2020, in a remote desert area near Valley of Fire State Park, northeast of Las Vegas. While the Clark County Coroner’s Office could not determine the exact cause of death due to the condition of the remains, police classified the case as a homicide based on the circumstances.
Family’s involvement in cover-up
The investigation revealed a disturbing attempt to conceal the crime. Rangel-Ibarra’s father, Jose Rangel, admitted to helping his son transport Palacio’s body from their Las Vegas home. Surveillance video presented to a grand jury in 2021 showed both men placing Palacio’s body into a pickup truck on the morning of her death.
Jose Rangel pleaded guilty in 2021 to destroying evidence and being an accessory to murder. He was sentenced to two years in prison but served less than nine months before being released. During his confession, Rangel initially claimed Palacio had died from an overdose but later admitted he saw his son dragging her body down the stairs on a bed sheet.
Family’s relentless pursuit of justice
Throughout the years-long ordeal, Palacio’s family never gave up hope that Rangel-Ibarra would be brought to justice. Their attorney, Ofelia Markarian, praised their persistence during Thursday’s press conference.
“Lesly’s family, the pain that they went through is unimaginable,” Markarian said. “Lesly was 22 years old. She had her whole life ahead of her, and it got taken by Erick, and finally, after five years, he is going to face justice.”
Markarian noted that the family’s determination played a crucial role in keeping pressure on authorities to pursue the case internationally. “The fight to get to today was extremely, extremely long and difficult, and the family kept going; they did not stop,” she emphasized.
Legal challenges ahead
The successful extradition represents a significant achievement, as Mexico rarely extradites its own nationals to face charges in the United States. Former Clark County District Attorney David Roger had previously expressed doubt about the possibility, telling media last month, “We have never, in my experience, had Mexico extradite a Mexican national back to the United States.”
LVMPD Homicide Lieutenant Robert Price expressed hope that the arrest would bring some measure of peace to Palacio’s loved ones. “While we can never bring complete closure, we hope this brings the family closer to the resolution they deserve,” he said.
Rangel-Ibarra is expected to appear in Clark County District Court as early as next week to face charges that could result in life imprisonment if convicted. As the case moves forward, it serves as a testament to the persistence of law enforcement agencies and a grieving family’s refusal to let their loved one’s memory fade.
Category: Breaking News
Subcategory: Crime & Safety
Date: 08/28/2025
