Santa Rosa Murder Suspect Arrested In Redding After 12 Years On The Run
SANTA ROSA (CBS SF/AP) — Northern California authorities have arrested a man on the top of Santa Rosa's list of most wanted criminals after a 12-year search.
The Santa Rosa Press Democrat reports that Ricardo Puentes was arrested Wednesday at a rural residence outside Redding. The arrest was a joint effort between Santa Rosa detectives, FBI agents and the Shasta County Sheriff's Office.
Puentes evaded police for years by changing his appearance and using disguises, even dressing as a woman; slipping in and out of his hometown to visit his family periodically, the report said.
Puentes was wanted for the Jan. 15, 2005 shooting death of 27-year-old Semere Girmai, of Santa Rosa. Police say the shooting was an execution-style slaying.
The shooting was allegedly motivated by a cocaine and methamphetamine distribution feud between the men, who had gang ties.
After his arrest on Wednesday, Puentes initially gave a fake name before eventually admitting to being on the run all these years.
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