LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — A long-awaited update in the homicide case of Lesly Palacio was announced by the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department on Thursday.
WATCH | The latest on the homicide case
It's been more than a year since Channel 13 reported Palacio's suspected killer, Erick Rangel-Ibarra, had been arrested in Mexico.
Thursday, almost five years to the date of Palacio's disappearance, we're learning that Rangel-Ibarra was extradited to Las Vegas, where he will stand trial.
FULL PRESS CONFERENCE | LVMPD provides update on Lesly Palacio homicide case
Palacio, 22, was last seen on Aug. 29, 2020. Her body was found on Sept. 9, 2020, near Valley of Fire State Park.
A retired police detective previously told Channel 13 it could take months or even years before Rangel-Ibarra appears in a Las Vegas courtroom, due to the lengthy and complex extradition process.
Video previously shared with Channel 13 showed Rangel-Ibarra and his father, Jose Rangel, moving Palacio's body from their home in the early morning hours of Aug. 29, 2020.
The cause of Palacio's death was ruled undetermined by the Clark County coroner. Still, authorities determined she was the victim of homicide based on the circumstances of the case.
Jose Rangel initially claimed Palacio died from an overdose, but later admitted to helping dispose of her body. He was sentenced in 2021 to serve two years in prison for helping his son after Palacio was killed.
LVMPD Homicide Lt. Robert Price says Rangel-Ibarra is now in custody at the Clark County Detention Center.
WATCH | Lesly Palacio family lawyer speaks out following suspect's extradition to Las Vegas
-
Driver arrested after hit-and-run, first traffic fatality for LVMPD this year
It happened around 1:03 a.m. near the Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas sign, on South Las Vegas Boulevard near East Russel Road.
Police: Suspect arrested for burgling businesses across the Las Vegas Valley
Las Vegas police are announcing the arrest of a 27-year-old man in connection with a series of business burglaries throughout the valley on Dec. 21 and 23.
Developing: Henderson police responding to barricade near St. Rose Parkway
Details are limited, but Henderson Police have confirmed the barricade is in the area of Gillespie Street and Bruner Avenue, near St. Rose Parkway and S Las Vegas Boulevard.
Teen arrested, charged with open murder in Las Vegas street takeover shooting
A 19-year-old suspect has been arrested and charged with open murder in connection with a fatal shooting that happened during a street takeover in November.
