Krystal Mitchell.Photo: Facebook
According to U.S. Marshals, 37-year-old Marine veteran Raymond McLeod allegedly strangled 30-year-old mother of two Krystal Mitchell to death in a San Diego apartment while the pair were visiting from Phoenix on June 10, 2016.
Raymond McLeod.
According to authorities, McLeod evaded capture and allegedly fled the U.S. for Mexico and then Central America.
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“When he took [Mitchell] from our lives, he tore a hole in our hearts, and I just decided to get involved,” Wentzel told the outlet. “I wanted justice for her. I wanted her kids to see justice, and I wanted to see justice before I left this Earth.”
From the day her daughter was killed, Wentzel said she came out of retirement and dedicated her time to helping authorities track down McLeod, combing through social media and following possible leads on his whereabouts.
The years-long search came to an end Tuesday when McLeod was taken into custody without incident, per authorities.
“Finally, we got the snake, and we are getting him off the streets,” Wetzel said, per the station. “Finally, I don’t have to spend another moment looking at his picture. Finally, I don’t have to wake up at 3:00 a.m. to do searches.”
“This chapter can be closed,” she added. “Of course, we have a new chapter that is opening… which is going to be the courts.”
McLeod was formerly on the U.S. Marshals'15 Most Wantedlist.
He will be deported to San Diego to be formally charged. It is unclear if he has an attorney who can speak on his behalf.
source: people.com
