A significant development in international law enforcement occurred when one of America’s most wanted fugitives was apprehended in Mexico after 16 years of evading authorities. The individual, identified as Octaviano Juarez-Corro, was arrested on February 3, 2024, in Zapopan, a city in the state of Jalisco, Mexico. His capture was the result of a joint operation involving the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), U.S. Marshals, and Mexican law enforcement.
Juarez-Corro was on the FBI’s Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list and had been on the run since May 2006. He was wanted in connection with a mass shooting that took place on May 29, 2006, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The incident occurred during a Memorial Day picnic at South Shore Park, where Juarez-Corro allegedly opened fire on a group of people, killing two and wounding three others.
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The shooting was reportedly motivated by a domestic dispute. Juarez-Corro was allegedly involved in a disagreement with his estranged wife, Veronica Garcia, who was present at the picnic. According to authorities, Juarez-Corro arrived at the park armed with a handgun, confronted his wife, and then began shooting indiscriminately at the crowd. The two victims who lost their lives were Miguel Salinas and Jorge Lopez. The three others who were injured were taken to a local hospital, where they received medical treatment.
Following the shooting, Juarez-Corro fled the scene, and authorities launched an extensive manhunt to locate him. Despite numerous leads and tips, Juarez-Corro managed to elude capture for over a decade. His ability to remain hidden for such an extended period was attributed to his connections in the United States and Mexico, as well as his knowledge of the area.
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In September 2021, the FBI added Juarez-Corro to its Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list, offering a reward of up to $100,000 for information leading to his arrest. The decision to place him on the list was based on the severity of his alleged crimes and the ongoing threat he posed to public safety. The FBI’s Milwaukee Field Office worked closely with the U.S. Marshals Service and Mexican authorities to track down Juarez-Corro, utilizing a variety of investigative techniques, including surveillance, informants, and international cooperation.
Juarez-Corro’s arrest in Zapopan was the result of a carefully coordinated operation. Mexican authorities, acting on information provided by the FBI, located Juarez-Corro at a residence in the city. He was taken into custody without incident and was subsequently transferred to a federal facility in Mexico City, where he awaits extradition to the United States.
The arrest of Juarez-Corro brings to a close a lengthy and complex investigation that spanned multiple countries and involved numerous law enforcement agencies. The FBI praised the cooperation and collaboration between U.S. and Mexican authorities, highlighting the importance of international partnerships in bringing fugitives to justice.
FBI Special Agent in Charge Michael Hensle, who oversees the Milwaukee Field Office, expressed relief at Juarez-Corro’s capture. He emphasized that the arrest was a significant step toward justice for the victims and their families, who have waited many years for this moment. Hensle also reiterated the FBI’s commitment to pursuing dangerous criminals, no matter how long it takes or where they may be hiding.
The process of extraditing Juarez-Corro to the United States is expected to begin soon. Under the terms of the extradition treaty between the U.S. and Mexico, Juarez-Corro will be returned to Wisconsin to face charges related to the 2006 shooting. He is expected to stand trial for multiple counts of first-degree intentional homicide and attempted first-degree intentional homicide.
The arrest of Octaviano Juarez-Corro is a significant milestone in a case that has haunted the Milwaukee community for nearly two decades. The case serves as a reminder of the persistence and dedication of law enforcement agencies in their pursuit of justice. While the victims’ families have had to endure years of uncertainty, Juarez-Corro’s capture provides an opportunity for them to seek closure and for justice to be served.
The FBI continues to encourage the public to come forward with any information related to fugitives or criminal activity. The agency maintains a list of the Ten Most Wanted Fugitives, and rewards are offered for information leading to the capture of these individuals. The cooperation between law enforcement agencies and the public is seen as a critical component in the fight against crime and the pursuit of justice.
Juarez-Corro’s arrest marks the end of one of the longest fugitive hunts in recent memory and underscores the effectiveness of international law enforcement collaboration in tracking down and apprehending dangerous criminals.
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-Dominick Izzo
