IE 11 is not supported. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser.

FBI Arrests Gang Member on Most Wanted List

Juan Elias Garcia, who is accused of killing his ex-girlfriend and her 2-year-old son, voluntarily returned to the United States to face charges.
Image: Juan Elias Garcia is wanted by the FBI.
Juan Elias Garcia is wanted by the FBI.FBI

Juan Elias Garcia's stay on the Ten Most Wanted list lasted two days.

The newest addition to the FBI's infamous list was arrested Friday. Garcia, an alleged MS-13 gang member who is accused of killing his ex-girlfriend and her 2-year-old son, voluntarily returned to the United States from his native Nicaragua to face charges, according to a statement from the FBI.

Special agents of the FBI arrested Garcia upon his arrival.

Charged with murder and other offenses, Garcia, 21, is primarily wanted in connection to the Feb. 5, 2010 killings of Vanessa Argueta, 19, and her son in Central Islip, N.Y.

Garcia and Argueta were romantically involved, according to the FBI, but Argueta had links to members of a rival gang.

Following an argument between Garcia and Argueta, the rival gang allegedly threatened violence against Garcia, according to the FBI.

The agency alleges Garcia and other MS-13 gang members then drove Argueta and her son to a wooded area, and shot them both execution-style in the head and chest.

Authorities found the two bodies the following day.

"We hope his capture brings some measure of consolation to the Argueta and Torres families," said Loretta Lynch, U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of New York.

Garcia was the 501st individual added to the FBI's list since it was established in 1950.

— Becky Bratu