California Man Arrested in Mexico After Allegedly Killing Partner and Driving Across Border With Her Body in Passenger Seat
Long Beach, CA – A California man accused of killing his longtime partner and attempting to smuggle her body across the U.S.–Mexico border has been arrested by authorities in Baja California, Mexico, officials confirmed this week. The suspect, identified as 44-year-old Erick Alcantar Almanza, was taken into custody after his mother reportedly alerted police to the alleged murder.
The Incident: Woman’s Body Found Beside Her Partner in Car
According to investigators, Almanza allegedly murdered his partner, 46-year-old Aracely Romero, in Long Beach, California, before fleeing toward Mexico with her lifeless body in the passenger seat of his vehicle. The couple shared five children between the ages of 16 and 26.
Authorities say Almanza’s family became suspicious when they could not reach Romero for several days. During his drive to Mexico, Almanza allegedly confessed to the killing in phone calls with relatives, explaining that he had Romero’s body beside him in the car as he crossed the border.
“He told us that she was dead next to him in the seat,” one family member reportedly told investigators.
His mother immediately contacted Mexican authorities, warning them about her son’s location and confession. Mexican police quickly located his vehicle and detained him in Baja California over the weekend.
Investigation and Cross-Border Coordination
Authorities in both Mexico and the United States are now working together to determine the exact circumstances and location of the crime. Early evidence suggests that Romero was killed in Long Beach, before her body was transported across the border.
Miguel Ángel Gaxiola, a prosecutor with the Baja California Attorney General’s Office, confirmed that officials are coordinating with California law enforcement to establish jurisdiction.
“Right now, we are exchanging information to try to locate the scene of the crime that occurred there in Long Beach,” Gaxiola said.
The Long Beach Police Department has not yet released details about how Romero was killed, but investigators said signs point to a domestic violence-related homicide. Authorities have not confirmed whether Almanza crossed an official border checkpoint or entered Mexico illegally.
Family Accounts and Mental Health History
The couple’s eldest son spoke with local outlet KNBC, revealing that his father had struggled with mental illness for years. The son said Almanza’s mental state had deteriorated recently, leading to arguments between his parents.
“He wasn’t well. We could see it coming, but we didn’t think it would end like this,” the son told reporters.
Relatives said the last time they saw Romero was on Friday, and her sudden disappearance immediately raised alarm among family members. When Almanza began contacting relatives during his drive south, he allegedly admitted to the murder, prompting the family to alert law enforcement.
Arrest and Charges in Mexico
Mexican police arrested Almanza on Sunday in Baja California after stopping his vehicle. Romero’s body was found inside the car, positioned in the front passenger seat and covered with a blanket.
Authorities said Almanza appeared distraught and disoriented at the time of his arrest. During initial questioning, he reportedly told detectives that the killing followed a heated argument between him and Romero but did not elaborate on the motive.
Prosecutors in Mexico are currently holding Almanza on suspicion of homicide, while U.S. authorities work to obtain extradition to California, where formal charges are expected to be filed.
Ongoing Investigation and Next Steps
The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office is working with Mexican officials to collect forensic evidence and verify the timeline of events. Investigators are also interviewing family members and reviewing Almanza’s communications prior to his arrest.
Law enforcement officials emphasized that the case highlights the complexities of cross-border homicide investigations, which require coordination between multiple jurisdictions and agencies.
Authorities have not yet released Romero’s official cause of death, pending an autopsy in Mexico. Once the investigation is complete, her remains are expected to be returned to the United States for burial.
Conclusion
The shocking case of Erick Alcantar Almanza—who allegedly killed his longtime partner and tried to flee the country with her body—has left the Long Beach community in mourning and disbelief. As investigators continue to uncover details, Romero’s family is calling for justice and urging others to seek help when facing domestic conflict or mental health struggles before tragedy strikes.
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