A man has been arrested in Mexico after allegedly strangling the mother of his five children in Long Beach, California, and attempting to conceal her body in Baja California. Mexican authorities discovered the victim’s remains inside a vehicle in La Paz, marking a shocking cross-border murder case.
What Happened: Timeline of the Long Beach Murder and Border Crossing
The incident unfolded on Saturday, with tragic events spanning from a domestic dispute in Southern California to a grim discovery hundreds of miles south of the border.
- Afternoon Argument (Around 3 PM): The couple reportedly argued while the victim was driving the suspect to work.
- Murder in Long Beach: Prosecutors allege the suspect killed his partner—identified by her son as Aracely Romero Acevedo—sometime that afternoon.
- Confession Call (Around 8 PM): The suspect called his 26-year-old son from Tijuana, admitting he had killed the boy’s mother and planned to hide her body before turning himself in.
- Body Found (8:30 PM): Mexican emergency responders located the victim in the passenger seat of a vehicle in the El Centenario district of La Paz, Baja California. She showed clear signs of violence, including possible strangulation.
Suspect Arrested at Scene in Mexico
Mexican authorities took a man identified only as “Erik N.”—the victim’s alleged romantic partner—into custody at the location where the body was found. He is accused of committing the murder in Long Beach, then crossing into Tijuana and traveling further south in an attempt to dispose of the remains.
The suspect had reportedly been living in the U.S. without legal status for over 20 years, according to preliminary reports from Mexican officials.
Victim: Aracely Romero Acevedo – A Devoted Mother of Five
Aracely Romero Acevedo was a loving mother who raised five children, aged 16 to 26. Born and raised in Tijuana, she later moved to the United States, where she graduated from trade school and worked in medical billing before transitioning into tax preparation.
Her son, Erik Almanza, described her as a dedicated parent who was always there to support her children through life’s challenges.
“She cared deeply about all of us. No matter what we were going through, she was there to help pick us back up.”
Cross-Border Investigation: U.S. and Mexican Authorities Collaborate
Despite the crime occurring on U.S. soil, Baja California’s State Attorney General’s Office is leading the legal proceedings due to the suspect’s arrest in Mexico and an existing investigation file in Tijuana.
Mexican officials have confirmed:
- Ongoing communication with Long Beach authorities
- Information exchange with FBI agents and Los Angeles Police Department
- Full commitment to pursuing justice under Mexican law
“Although the crime was committed in the United States, we will proceed with all corresponding legal actions,” stated the attorney general’s office.
Key Details at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Victim | Aracely Romero Acevedo, mother of 5 |
| Suspect | “Erik N.” (full name withheld under Mexican law) |
| Crime Location | Long Beach, California |
| Body Discovery | El Centenario, La Paz, Baja California |
| Cause of Death | Suspected strangulation |
| Arrest Location | At the scene in La Paz, Mexico |
| Suspect’s Status in U.S. | Lived illegally for over 20 years |
Frequently Asked Questions
Where did the murder take place?
The killing allegedly occurred in Long Beach, California.
Where was the victim’s body found?
Her remains were discovered inside a vehicle in La Paz, Baja California, over 800 miles south of the border.
Why is Mexico handling the case?
The suspect was arrested in Mexico, and local authorities have jurisdiction due to the body’s discovery and an open investigation in Tijuana.
Was the suspect planning to turn himself in?
According to his son, the suspect said during a phone call that he intended to hide the body first, then surrender to authorities.
Are U.S. authorities involved?
Yes. Mexican officials are coordinating with Long Beach police, the FBI, and LAPD to share evidence and details.
This case highlights the complexities of cross-border crime and ongoing cooperation between U.S. and Mexican law enforcement in pursuing justice for victims of violent crime.
Leave a Reply