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
-
Overnight shooting in east Las Vegas leaves one dead, one in custody
It happened in the 4100 block of Sandhill Road, in the area of Flamingo Road, according to the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department.
Laughlin carjacking victim held at gunpoint before police chase to Henderson
A carjacking in Laughlin led to a dramatic police chase that ended near Nevada State University Wednesday afternoon, prompting a campus-wide shelter-in-place alert.
Police: Laughlin carjacking suspects arrested near Nevada State University
Police converged on the campus of Nevada State University in Henderson after police say they tracked carjacking suspects from Laughlin to the area near NSU.
LVMPD seek witnesses to freeway shooting that left one in critical condition
Las Vegas police are seeking witnesses to a freeway shooting on Interstate 11 that left one person critically injured Monday afternoon.