Suspect in Lesly Palacio homicide case extradited from Mexico to Las Vegas to stand trial

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.

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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.

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