The U.S. Marshals Service searched a house in Bronx, NY this Tuesday, finding York, PA homicide fugitive Jose Alberto Castro, hiding in a closet, according to a news release. Castro, 24, of the 400 block of South Queen Street in York, PA, had been sought on a warrant in connection with the July 31, 2009 shooting death of Pedro Solis-Baez.
Solis-Baez was shot multiple times about 12:30 p.m. in the 300 block of Susquehanna Avenue in York and was pronounced dead at the scene.
Solis-Baez’s nephew, Hector Solis-DeJesus, said he was not aware of Castro’s arrest when reached Tuesday evening.
“I am thankful that they got him (but)… It is not going to bring him back,” he said. “I was waiting and waiting and praying and hoping, but I just left it in God’s hands.”
York City Police obtained a warrant for Castro’s arrest from duty District Judge John Olwert of Stewartstown the same day as the early-afternoon shooting. On August 02, 2009, police asked for help from the U.S. Marshals, who specialize in locating potentially dangerous fugitives.
“Our guys did a real good job in getting the information to come up with the warrant,” York City Police Lt. Tim Utley said. “Obviously, the marshals did what they do best – tracked him down.”
Utley, who commands the department’s detective bureau, said it is not known at this time when Castro will be back in York.
“There is the whole issue of extradition, whether (or not) he will fight it,” he said. “Hopefully, he gets back here so we can get the legal ball rolling.”
Marco Ferral, who knew Solis-Baez from around the neighborhood, said the day of the killing that he heard the shots and found Solis-Baez lying against a fence. He looked closely and saw that Solis-Baez had been shot twice in the lower back.
Ferral grabbed Solis-Baez’s wrists to feel for a pulse but, finding none, called 911. Ferral added that Solis-Baez was known by his nickname, “Kiki,” and that he had talked about leaving York.
Solis-DeJesus said his uncle, who kept to himself and spent time with family and friends, has two daughters. “His family and friends miss him a lot,” he said.
Solis-Baez’s body was flown Augusut 04, 2009, to Puerto Rico, where the 30-year-old had spent most of his life. The family held a private viewing the night before, Solis-DeJesus had said.