OHIO — A fugitive wanted in connection with a homicide in Puerto Rico was arrested Tuesday in Cleveland by a federal task force, according to the U.S. Marshals Service.
Marshals said Neftali Esquilin-Lebron, 24, was taken into custody at a business in the 2700 block of East 55th Street in Cleveland. Authorities allege Esquilin-Lebron shot and killed a man on July 21, 2024, in front of a restaurant in Puerto Rico.
The arrest followed a multi-agency investigation in which the U.S. Marshals worked alongside the Puerto Rico Police Bureau to locate the suspect. Investigators were able to track Esquilin-Lebron to northern Ohio, where members of a fugitive task force executed the arrest.
“Violent fugitives will never be welcome to hide out in our communities in northern Ohio. Our fugitive task force has always and will continue to pursue these suspects to protect our communities and to bring justice to the wronged victims of these senseless killings,” said Pete Elliott.
No additional details were immediately released regarding extradition proceedings or upcoming court appearances.
