Suspect in 2015 Seaside cold case killing arrested in Mexico

Authorities located the suspected killer in Oaxaca, Mexico over 10 years after the fatal shooting on Highway 1.

Feb. 23, 2026 at 6:03pm by Ben Kaplan

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More than 10 years after a man was fatally shot along Highway 1 in Monterey County, authorities have located the suspected killer, 29-year-old Edward Rodriguez, in Mexico. Rodriguez is accused of killing Khaleel Johnson during a confrontation that began in Seaside and ended on the highway in 2015. Following the shooting, police said Rodriguez fled the country to Mexico, but investigators were able to track him down in Oaxaca. U.S. Marshals coordinated with local authorities in Mexico to secure Rodriguez's arrest, and he has since been booked into the Monterey County Jail on suspicion of murder.

Why it matters

This case highlights the challenges law enforcement can face in solving cold cases, especially when suspects flee the country. The arrest of Rodriguez over a decade later provides some closure for the victim's family and the community, and demonstrates the persistence of investigators in pursuing justice.

The details

According to police, the confrontation between Rodriguez and Johnson began on Del Monte and Hannon avenues in Seaside, continuing onto Canyon Del Rey Boulevard and onto Highway 1, ending at the Fremont Boulevard off-ramp. During the confrontation, police said Rodriguez fired multiple shots, fatally striking Johnson. Following the shooting, police said Rodriguez fled the country to Mexico.

  • The fatal shooting occurred on the early morning of March 15, 2015.
  • Since 2015, the United States Marshals Service has been assisting in efforts to locate Rodriguez.
  • Authorities located Rodriguez in Oaxaca, Mexico, more than 2,000 miles away from the crime scene.
  • Rodriguez was taken into custody by U.S. Marshals at San Francisco International Airport on Saturday morning.

The players

Edward Rodriguez

A 29-year-old man accused of killing Khaleel Johnson during a confrontation in Seaside, California in 2015. Rodriguez fled to Mexico following the shooting but was eventually located and arrested by U.S. Marshals.

Khaleel Johnson

The victim who was fatally shot by Edward Rodriguez during a confrontation in Seaside, California in 2015.

U.S. Marshals Service

The federal law enforcement agency that has been assisting in the efforts to locate Edward Rodriguez since 2015 and coordinated with local authorities in Mexico to secure his arrest.

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What’s next

Rodriguez has been booked into the Monterey County Jail and will face charges for the 2015 murder of Khaleel Johnson.

The takeaway

This case highlights the persistence of law enforcement in solving cold cases, even when suspects flee the country. The arrest of Rodriguez over a decade later provides some closure for the victim's family and the community, and demonstrates the importance of continued investigation and cooperation between local and federal authorities.