Colorado Fugitive, FBI Most Wanted Arrested
DENVER (CBS4)- A Colorado fugitive recently placed on the FBI's Most Wanted list has been arrested.
It didn't take long after the FBI added Edwin Ernesto Rivera Gracias to its 10 Most Wanted list for him to end up in custody.
He's wanted in Jefferson County for the Aug. 17, 2011, stabbing death of Richard Limon, 69, of Denver, a family acquaintance of Rivera Gracias' girlfriend. Limon's body was found alongside a road on Lookout Mountain just west of Golden.
Three other suspects already have pleaded guilty to taking part in the killing, including a man authorities said held Limon's legs while Rivera Gracias wrapped duct tape around Limon's head to try to suffocate him. When that didn't work, Rivera Gracias stabbed Limon nine times with a steak knife, which broke when it punctured his heart, authorities said.
According to an affidavit filed in U.S. District Court, Rivera Gracias talked about killing Limon over allegations he molested Rivera Gracias' girlfriend, who was the daughter of Limon's wife. Jefferson County District Attorney spokeswoman Pam Russell said those allegations were never reported to authorities.
Rivera Gracias is suspected of being a member of the Mara Salvatrucha gang, or MS-13, with ties to other gang members in Colorado, Los Angeles and El Salvador. He is believed to be hiding in El Salvador. Members of the gang, who cover themselves in tattoos, have been linked by authorities to drug trafficking, drive-by shootings and contract killings.
The three suspects who have pleaded guilty in the case: Raul Nunez-Soto, 48, second-degree murder, sentenced in October to 48 years in prison; Rivera Gracias' girlfriend, Nena Moya, 28, accessory to commit murder, sentenced to two years in prison; and Limon's wife, whom he sometimes referred to as his daughter, Tina Moya, 40, second-degree murder. Moya was sentenced to 36 years in prison for her role in the murder of Limon.
The last fugitive from Colorado to make the 10 Most Wanted list was serial killer Ted Bundy in 1978. Bundy was captured five days after being placed on the list.
