PASADENA, CA –   Pasadena Police announced the arrest of the suspect wanted in connection with the stabbing of a man earlier in the week near the intersection of Fair Oaks and Orange Grove Blvd. Elvin Estrada (Male adult, 24 years, and Pasadena resident) was apprehended hiding in a residence in Succasunna, New Jersey yesterday at 5:00 PM (PST).

Acting on tips from the public that indicated Estrada had fled the state, police Detectives and the Pasadena Police Fugitive Apprehension Unit (FAU) contacted the U.S Marshall’s Office for assistance. Estrada was tracked through Texas, Georgia and finally New Jersey where agents made the arrest. U.S. Marshalls apprehended Estrada without incident inside a residence believed to belong to a relative of Estrada. At the time of the arrest Estrada was armed with a knife but offered no resistance.

Estrada is believed to have stabbed Mario Sanchez Pacheco on July 16, 2009. The motive for the killing is still unclear, Detectives said. 

Police Detectives will be working with local authorities in New Jersey to begin the extradition process to bring Estrada back to California. An arrest warrant for murder was issued for Estrada by the Los Angeles District Attorney’s office on Thursday.

 “The conclusion of this case is a testament to the excellent relationship between the community of Pasadena and their police department,” says Chief Bernard Melekian.  “And it is also a warning to those who desire to commit crimes in our city: our Detectives and FAU Team are relentless in their dedication to solving cases and capturing criminals.” 

Anyone with additional information that will help with this case is asked to call the Pasadena Police Detective Section at (626) 744-4522

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