PLAINFIELD, NJ – A man wanted for a fatal stabbing that took place in Plainfield in 2003 has been arrested in Guatemala this week.
The U.S. Marshals Service arrested the 56-year-old fugitive back in March, and he was extradited to New Jersey early Friday morning.
56-year-old Fausto Ramiro Santos Carill was charged with first-degree murder, third-degree and fourth-degree weapons offenses in connection with the death of 49-year-old Martha Morales.
According to police, on July 23, 2003, members of the Plainfield Police Department responded to the 600 block of East Third Street and found Morales inside an apartment she shared with Fausto Carillo.Morales had sustained multiple fatal stab wounds. Following the murder, Fausto Carillo fled the area.
“I want to commend the fortitude and dedication exhibited by the investigators who have worked tirelessly on this case these past several years, during a time that presented so many other unique challenges,” Prosecutor Daniel said. “Thanks to their efforts, we have moved closer to bringing Fausto Carillo to justice for his role in the murder of Ms. Morales.”
“Fausto Carillo chose to avoid capture by hiding abroad. He believed distance was his sanctuary, “said Juan Mattos, U.S. Marshal for the District of New Jersey. “The U.S. Marshals Service has an extended reach and partnerships throughout the world. Thanks to the steadfast commitment of the Union County Prosecutor’s Office Homicide Task Force, U.S. Marshals, and our law enforcement partners throughout Central America, capturing this most wanted fugitive has brought us one step closer to justice and closure for the victim and their family.”