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Santa Rosa Murder Suspect Arrested In Redding After 12 Years On The Run

SANTA ROSA (CBS SF/AP) — Northern California authorities have arrested a man on the top of Santa Rosa's list of most wanted criminals after a 12-year search.

The Santa Rosa Press Democrat reports that Ricardo Puentes was arrested Wednesday at a rural residence outside Redding. The arrest was a joint effort between Santa Rosa detectives, FBI agents and the Shasta County Sheriff's Office.

Puentes evaded police for years by changing his appearance and using disguises, even dressing as a woman; slipping in and out of his hometown to visit his family periodically, the report said.

Puentes was wanted for the Jan. 15, 2005 shooting death of 27-year-old Semere Girmai, of Santa Rosa. Police say the shooting was an execution-style slaying.

The shooting was allegedly motivated by a cocaine and methamphetamine distribution feud between the men, who had gang ties.

After his arrest on Wednesday, Puentes initially gave a fake name before eventually admitting to being on the run all these years.

 

TM and © Copyright 2017 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2017 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten. The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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