A Texas woman who evaded authorities for nearly 30 years after being accused of killing her young daughter has been arrested in Mexico. The pursuit began when she vanished before standing trial for a capital murder charge in 1997.
The Tarrant County District Attorney’s Office confirmed that 48-year-old Maria Narez was taken into custody on Saturday due to a collaborative effort among international law enforcement agencies.
Details of the Case
Maria Narez faced arrest in Tarrant County in 1996 for her alleged involvement in the death of her daughter, Kasandra L. White, who was just 3 years old. According to records acquired by FOX 4 Dallas-Fort Worth, Narez allegedly fatally assaulted her daughter by shaking her, hitting her with an unidentified object, and throwing her against a wall.
Initial bail was set at $500,000, but was reduced to $25,000 the next day. Conditions for her release included avoiding contact with children under 17, participating in electronic monitoring, and undergoing monthly drug tests.
Further Developments
A grand jury indicted Narez on a capital murder charge in April 1997, with prosecutors prepared for trial. However, by late August of that year, Narez’s bondsman reported an inability to locate her, prompting a judge to issue an arrest warrant.
The docket indicated the bond was forfeited in October 1997, as Narez could not be found. She eventually fled to Mexico, evading capture for decades.
Persistent Search for Justice
The Tarrant County District Attorney’s Office stated that her fleeing delayed the trial, but they continued efforts to bring Narez back to answer for her daughter’s death. They praised numerous agencies, including Mexico Interpol, the U.S. Marshals Service, the Department of Homeland Security, and the Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs, for their roles in her eventual apprehension.
Narez’s extradition to Texas is anticipated, where she will face the capital murder charge. The Tarrant County District Attorney’s Office continues to work towards justice for Kasandra L. White.
Greg Wehner, a reporter focusing on crime and public safety, contributed to this report.