California Man Extradited to El Salvador for 2019 Murder
Michael Alejandro Castillo Murga becomes first U.S. citizen surrendered to El Salvador for prosecution.
A dual U.S.-Salvadoran citizen from California has been extradited to El Salvador to face charges in connection with the 2019 killing of his son's mother and the subsequent abandonment of their toddler.
Michael Alejandro Castillo Murga, 27, of Beaumont, California, was transferred to Salvadoran authorities on Wednesday. He faces charges of aggravated femicide and imperfect homicide. The U.S. Department of Justice announced the extradition on Thursday, noting it marks the first time the United States has surrendered an American citizen to face prosecution for crimes committed in El Salvador.
According to Salvadoran authorities, Castillo Murga picked up Melvi Fernanda Nájera Quezada, 23, and their son from her mother's home on January 31, 2019, with the stated intention of living together as a family. Investigators allege that Castillo Murga instead killed Nájera Quezada and left their child near the crime scene. Her body was discovered the following day. An autopsy revealed she died from severe bleeding caused by cuts to her neck and other wounds inflicted with a plastic knife.
Investigators linked Castillo Murga to the killing through cellphone location data and witness accounts. Authorities also reported that he sent his girlfriend a photograph showing bloodstains on his face and neck. His grandmother and a lawyer were accused of helping to conceal evidence by arranging for individuals to clean blood from Castillo Murga's vehicle, though not all traces could be removed.
Prosecutors state that Castillo Murga, with assistance from his grandmother and lawyer, fled to Guatemala around February 2, 2019, before eventually entering the United States. U.S. Marshals arrested Castillo Murga in October 2024, following an extradition request from El Salvador.
Castillo Murga challenged his extradition in federal court, but his petition was rejected by a judge in November 2025. A subsequent request to halt the transfer was denied in September 2026. The Secretary of State ultimately authorized his surrender, and U.S. Marshals transported him to Salvadoran custody.
