WAKE COUNTY — After nearly a year on the run, Alder Alfonso Marin-Sotelo has been extradited back to the United States following his arrest by Mexican authorities in May 2023, officials said.
Marin-Sotelo is accused of killing Wake County Deputy Ned Byrd on Aug. 11, 2022. He faces charges for first-degree murder.
In a statement posted to Facebook, the Wake County Sheriff’s Office expressed gratitude to the U.S. Department of Justice and other agencies involved in the international return of the suspect.
“Deputy Byrd was one of our own, and we have never stopped working to ensure justice is served,” Sheriff Willie Rowe said. “This extradition is a testament to the determination and collaboration of law enforcement agencies at the state, local, and federal levels. We are grateful for their efforts and remain committed to seeing this case through.”
Experts say that with Marin-Sotelo back in custody, legal proceedings can move forward. Wake County District Attorney Lorrin Freeman said the return now allows prosecutors to set a trial date in this case, which she acknowledged is “of significant importance to [the] community.”
Officials hope the development brings closure to those close to Byrd, as well as those in the community who continue to honor his memory.
Along with the extradition of Marin-Sotelo, 29 other defendants facing various charges were also taken from Mexico into U.S. custody on Jan. 27, according to a press release by the U.S. Department of Justice.
Marin-Sotelo was originally indicted on August 23, 2022, less than two weeks after Byrd’s death.
