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NEW YORK Wednesday, November 4, 2026

Latin America

Fugitive extradited from Mexico and sentenced for 1998 murder

Manuel Vasquez, who fled to Mexico after being charged in 1998 murder, received a 25-year-to-life sentence.

New York Editorial News Desk November 2, 2026 1 min read

The Brief

  • Manuel Vasquez pleaded guilty to first-degree murder on September 30, 2026.
  • He fled to Mexico and was extradited in April 2025 after remaining on the run for about 25 years.
  • Two co-defendants were convicted and sentenced to life in prison without parole in 1999.

Manuel Alejandro Vasquez, 48, was sentenced to 25 years to life in state prison for his role in the 1998 murder of Feliopoe Arambula in Ventura County.

Prosecutors stated that Vasquez and David Hampton were hired by Jose Vazquez to kidnap and extort Arambula, but Hampton shot and killed him on June 13, 1998.

Vasquez fled to Mexico before charges were filed and remained at large for about 25 years until law enforcement located him in 2023.

He was extradited to Ventura County in April 2025 and pleaded guilty to first-degree murder on September 30, 2026.

Jose Vazquez and Hampton were convicted of murder in 1999 and received life sentences without parole.

Senior Deputy District Attorney John Barrick thanked the Ventura Police Department for their dedication and hard work in solving the case.

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