U.S. Fugitive Captured in Mexico Just 73 Minutes After FBI's Most Wanted List Addition

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Samuel Ramirez Jr., 33, was captured in Culiacán, Mexico just over an hour after being added to the FBI's Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list, making it the fastest arrest in the history of the list. Ramirez was wanted for his alleged involvement in the murders of two women at a bar in Federal Way, Washington on May 21, 2023.

Why it matters

The speed of Ramirez's capture highlights the coordination between U.S. and Mexican authorities in apprehending high-profile fugitives. It also demonstrates the FBI's ability to quickly mobilize resources and the public to locate dangerous suspects on the run.

The details

Ramirez was charged with the murders of Jessyca Hohn and Katie Duhnke, as well as injuring a third person, at a bar in Federal Way, Washington in May 2023. He was believed to have fled the country after the killings. In November 2025, he was charged with unlawful flight to avoid prosecution and a federal arrest warrant was issued. The FBI increased the reward for his capture to $1 million just before adding him to the Ten Most Wanted list on Tuesday. Within 73 minutes, he was apprehended without incident in Culiacán, Mexico.

• On May 21, 2023, Ramirez allegedly committed the murders in Federal Way, Washington.
• In November 2025, Ramirez was charged with unlawful flight to avoid prosecution.
• On December 10, 2025, the FBI announced a $25,000 reward for Ramirez's arrest and conviction.
• On March 13, 2026, the FBI increased the reward to $1 million and added Ramirez to the Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list.
• Just 73 minutes later, Ramirez was captured in Culiacán, Mexico.

What’s next

Ramirez will be booked into jail in King County, Washington and will appear in court for his arraignment in about two weeks.