A dual U.S.-Salvadoran citizen from California has been extradited to El Salvador to face serious charges, as announced by the Department of Justice (DOJ). Michael Alejandro Castillo Murga, a 27-year-old resident of Beaumont, California, has been handed over to Salvadoran authorities to face charges of aggravated femicide and imperfect homicide related to a 2019 incident.
Details of the Incident
The DOJ states this extradition is a first in terms of the U.S. surrendering an American citizen to El Salvador for prosecution. Castillo Murga is accused of murdering a woman, Melvi Fernanda Nájera Quezada, 23, in January 2019. The tragic incident also involved the abandonment of their toddler son near her body.
According to investigators, Castillo Murga collected Nájera Quezada and their son from her mother’s residence with a supposed intent to start living together. Instead, he allegedly murdered her, leaving the child near her lifeless body, which was later discovered by a highway.
Investigation and Evidence
An autopsy concluded that Nájera Quezada suffered severe bleeding from neck wounds inflicted with a plastic knife. Authorities linked Castillo Murga to the crime through cellphone data and witness testimonies. He allegedly sent a photo of himself with bloodstains to his girlfriend.
Additionally, prosecutors accused Castillo Murga’s grandmother and a lawyer of attempting to hide evidence. They reportedly arranged for the cleanup of his vehicle using water, car shampoo, and vinegar, although not all traces of blood could be removed.
Flight and Legal Proceedings
After the crime, Castillo Murga fled to Guatemala with assistance, then entered the U.S. U.S. Marshals arrested him in October 2024 following an extradition request from El Salvador. He contested the extradition, but his appeals were denied by federal courts in 2025 and 2026.
The Secretary of State authorized his extradition, and U.S. Marshals transferred him to Salvadoran custody to face charges. The U.S. Marshals Service for the Central District of California played a key role in this investigation and transfer process.
Brittany Miller, a Fox News Digital writer, provided updates on this case.