Modesto police announce 2 arrests in downtown killing; 3rd suspect possibly fled to Mexico
MODESTO – Detectives say two suspects have been arrested in the killing of Akeem Mohammed El-Haji in Modesto, but a third suspect is believed to have fled to Mexico.
Modesto police released new details regarding the Dec. 8 incident on Thursday.
El-Haji was found with multiple stab wounds near 9th and D Streets, police now reveal. Detectives believe an acquaintance of El-Haji claimed that Akeem had previously assaulted him – prompting the three suspects to come to Modesto and allegedly attack the 34-year-old.
Of the three suspects identified by detectives, police say two were arrested in Watsonville on Wednesday: Anahys Cepetillo-Chable, 37, and Julio Martinez-Capetillo, 21. Both are facing murder and conspiracy to commit murder charges, detectives say.
Detectives believe a third suspect, 28-year-old Cristofer Vazquez-Villanueva, has fled into Mexico. He is also facing charges of murder and conspiracy to commit murder.
Modesto police noted that investigators believe El-Haji was targeted solely due to the assault.
The MoPride organization will be holding a remembrance Thursday afternoon for El-Haji on Thursday at their 508 13th Street center in Modesto.
