Tucson special agents capture long-sought Phoenix murder suspect

TUCSON, Ariz. — A Mexican national wanted for a Phoenix murder that occurred more than a decade ago was taken into custody last week in Tucson by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).

Ivan Alonso Samaniego-Valenzuela, 43, Mexico, was arrested July 23. Law enforcement agents assigned to the Tucson-based Border Enforcement Security Task Force (BEST) were conducting an operation in the area when they observed an individual entering a shopping center. Through investigative techniques, the special agents positively identified Samaniego and confirmed he was the subject of an outstanding warrant for the May 2000 murder of Juan Lara Salazar, 33. After confirming the warrant was still active, the HSI BEST investigators arrested Samaniego and turned him over to Pima County Sheriff's Office for further processing. The Maricopa County Attorney’s Office is prosecuting this case.

Salazar was fatally shot outside a Phoenix motel where he was playing with two young boys. Samaniego, who knew Salazar, arrived at the motel to speak with him regarding a vehicle sale. When Salazar continued to play with the children, Samaniego allegedly became angry. Authorities say the accused then drew a semi-automatic pistol, firing one fatal shot at Salazar. Samaniego fled the scene to avoid prosecution.

Under questioning, Samaniego informed HSI special agents there was a large amount of marijuana in a residence he and another associate controlled. After obtaining consent, HSI special agents searched the location where they found more than 650 pounds of marijuana, a firearm and six rounds of ammunition.

The first BESTs were established in 2005 in response to the significant increase in violence along the Southwest Border in Mexico. In addition to HSI, BEST participants include U.S. Customs and Border Protection, along with other federal, state, local, and international law enforcement agencies. There are currently 35 BESTs in 16 states and Puerto Rico. Boasting more than 1,000 members representing over 100 law enforcement agencies, the BESTs are jointly committed to investigating transnational criminal activity along our nation’s northern and southern borders and at major U.S. seaports.