Mexican extradited to face murder charge

WASHINGTON, Dec. 21 (UPI) -- The U.S. Justice Department said Wednesday Julian Espinoza was extradited from Mexico and charged with participating in the slaying of an immigration agent.

Espinoza, also known as "Piolin," was returned from Mexico to the United States to face charges for his alleged role in the shooting death of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Special Agent Jaime Zapata and the attempted killing of ICE Special Agent Victor Avila on Feb. 15 in Mexico, the department said in a release.

A federal grand jury in Washington handed up a four-count indictment against Espinoza on April 19, charging him with murdering Zapata and attempting to murder Avila.

"The indictment unsealed today, and the successful extradition of Piolin to the United States, reflect the Justice Department's vigorous and determined efforts to seek justice for Agents Zapata and Avila," Assistant Attorney General Lanny Breuer said. "We will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners in Mexico to hold violent criminals accountable."

"This prosecution exemplifies our unwavering effort to prosecute those who committed this heinous offense against U.S. law enforcement agents," U.S. Attorney Ronald Machen said. "We will not rest until those responsible for the murder of Agent Zapata and the wounding of Agent Avila are brought to justice."

Espinoza made his initial appearance before U.S. District Chief Judge Royce Lamberth of the District of Columbia Wednesday and was ordered detained without bail.

The investigation is being led by the FBI, with assistance from ICE, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the U.S. Customs and Border Patrol, the Diplomatic Security Service and the U.S. Marshals Service.