Anthony Ojeda: 'Most wanted' man accused of killing his 6-week-old son arrested in Mexico after 2 years
If you or anyone you know suspects child abuse, you are urged to immediately call the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-Child or 1-800-422-4453, or go to www.childhelp.org. All calls are toll-free and confidential and the hotline is available 24/7 in more than 170 languages.
NEW YORK: A New York father, who was listed as one of the "15 Most Wanted" people by the US Marshals Service, was apprehended following his son's death after going on the run for two years.
According to a press release from the agency, Anthony Ojeda, also known as Erik Jonathan Donas-Ojeda, and his spouse Neil Garzon were apprehended in Mexico City on Wednesday, January 24, 2024.
Anthony Ojeda allegedly killed his 6-week-old son Eli Ojeda
According to a press release, in December 2019, Cohoes, New York, police responded to a call regarding an unresponsive 6-week-old infant at Ojeda's apartment.
The suspect's son, Eli Ojeda, was quickly declared dead at a hospital. An autopsy revealed that he had died from both physical trauma and acute methamphetamine toxicity.
The father was accused of second-degree manslaughter and second-degree murder at the time. He and Garzon were also released on bond after being accused of jeopardizing a child's welfare.
According to the Marshals Service, the two left the country to avoid being charged after neglecting to show up for a hearing in August 2021.
The agency's "15 Most Wanted Fugitives" list eventually included Anthony Ojeda to draw "attention to some of the country’s most dangerous and high-profile fugitives."
Anthony Ojeda awaiting extradition to the United States
After being apprehended by Interpol in Mexico, Anthony Ojeda is currently awaiting extradition to the United States.
Garzon, however, has already been freed into American custody and has been accused of obstructing the legal process and putting a child's welfare in jeopardy.
It's not clear if Ojeda and Garzon have hired a lawyer.
The case was important for his team and the community, according to Cohoes Police Department Chief Todd Waldin, who made this statement to local news station WNYT.
"This homicide involving a 6-week-old child it is huge for us and for the people of Cohoes and I think even beyond the city of Cohoes to know that these two will be brought to justice now," he stated.
