TIJUANA, Mexico — Mexican authorities have arrested a man accused of killing the mother of his children in Long Beach, California, before attempting to transport her body across the border into Baja California. Prosecutors say the shocking crime highlights the importance of cross-border cooperation between U.S. and Mexican law enforcement.
The victim, identified by family members as Aracely Romero Acevedo, was found dead inside a vehicle in the El Centenario district of La Paz on Saturday evening. Emergency responders confirmed that she had no vital signs and showed visible signs of violence, including indications of strangulation, according to the Baja California State Attorney General’s Office. Authorities immediately detained the suspect, identified only as “Erik N.”, at the scene.
Investigators allege that Erik killed Acevedo in Long Beach before crossing into Mexico through Tijuana in an attempt to hide her body and evade U.S. authorities. The Baja California attorney general’s office confirmed that Erik has been transferred into official custody as the investigation continues. Officials also revealed that the suspect had been living in the United States illegally for more than 20 years, and that he already had an open investigation file in Tijuana for unrelated matters.
In a heartbreaking statement, the victim’s son, Erik Almanza, told reporters that his father called him on Saturday night, confessing to the crime and saying he planned to hide his mother’s body before surrendering to authorities. “He told me what he did, and I couldn’t believe it,” Almanza said. “My mother didn’t deserve this — she was a loving, hardworking woman.” Family members in both countries are now mourning Acevedo’s sudden and violent death.
Officials from the Long Beach Police Department, FBI, and Los Angeles Police Department are working closely with their Mexican counterparts to gather evidence and ensure that proper legal procedures are followed. The Baja California attorney general’s office stated that, although the crime occurred on U.S. soil, it will “continue with the corresponding legal actions” as part of the ongoing binational investigation.
As authorities from both nations coordinate efforts to seek justice, Acevedo’s loved ones are left grappling with grief and disbelief. The tragedy serves as a grim reminder of the challenges posed by cross-border crimes and the critical need for continued collaboration between the United States and Mexico in ensuring accountability and justice for victims.
