Man Accused of Killing 2 Women and Fleeing U.S. is Captured

Samuel Ramirez Jr. was arrested in Mexico after being placed on the FBI's Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list.

Mar. 13, 2026 at 3:35pm

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A Washington man accused of killing two women at a bar and grill in 2023 has been captured in Mexico after authorities said he fled his home state and the U.S. following the murders. Samuel Ramirez Jr. was arrested in Culiacán, Sinaloa, Mexico, on Tuesday, March 10, about one hour and 13 minutes after he was placed on the FBI's Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list.

Why it matters

This case highlights the importance of cooperation between law enforcement agencies, both domestic and international, in apprehending dangerous fugitives who attempt to evade justice by fleeing across state or national borders. The swift capture of Ramirez, a suspect in a double homicide, demonstrates the effectiveness of the FBI's Most Wanted program in bringing high-profile criminals to justice.

The details

According to authorities, Ramirez, 33, arrived in Washington, where he will face murder charges in King County, the evening of Wednesday, March 11. Ramirez had been sought by law enforcement since May 21, 2023, when he was allegedly involved in the killings of two women at the Stars Bar and Grill in Federal Way. A third person was also injured in the shooting. Following the murders, Ramirez fled Washington to Lake Havasu City in Arizona and then was driven into Tijuana, Mexico on May 23, 2023.

  • On May 21, 2023, Ramirez was allegedly involved in the killings of two women at the Stars Bar and Grill in Federal Way.
  • On May 23, 2023, Ramirez fled Washington to Lake Havasu City in Arizona and then was driven into Tijuana, Mexico.
  • On March 10, 2026, Ramirez was placed on the FBI's Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list.
  • On March 10, 2026, Ramirez was arrested in Culiacán, Sinaloa, Mexico, about one hour and 13 minutes after being placed on the FBI's most wanted list.
  • On March 11, 2026, Ramirez arrived in Washington to face murder charges in King County.

The players

Samuel Ramirez Jr.

A 33-year-old Washington man accused of killing two women at a bar and grill in 2023 and fleeing the U.S. to Mexico.

Jessyca Hohn

One of the two women killed in the shooting at the Stars Bar and Grill in Federal Way, Washington on May 21, 2023.

Katie Duhnke

One of the two women killed in the shooting at the Stars Bar and Grill in Federal Way, Washington on May 21, 2023.

Andy Hwang

The Federal Way Police Chief.

Mike Herrington

The special agent in charge of the FBI's Seattle field office.

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What they’re saying

“Assistance from the public quickly helped us learn where Mr. Ramirez was hiding and successfully bring him back to King County to face justice.”

— Mike Herrington, Special agent in charge of the FBI's Seattle field office

“This arrest is an important step toward justice for the victims, Jessyca Hohn and Katie Duhnke, and toward bringing some measure of closure to their families and our community. We remain committed to ensuring that the suspect is held fully accountable.”

— Andy Hwang, Federal Way Police Chief

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on whether or not to allow Samuel Ramirez Jr. out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the importance of international cooperation in apprehending dangerous fugitives who attempt to evade justice by fleeing across national borders. The swift capture of Ramirez, a suspect in a double homicide, demonstrates the effectiveness of the FBI's Most Wanted program in bringing high-profile criminals to justice.