Tegucigalpa,Honduras – Breaking news: The National Police captured a Honduran man on Sunday,December 21,who is wanted by the United States in an extradition case tied to murder allegations,authorities said.
The detainee is identified as Zacarías Antonio Antúnez Carías, 48, originally from the Olancho department, accused of murder in connection with an extradition request by U.S. authorities.
The arrest occurred in the municipality of San Antonio de Oriente, in Francisco Morazán, after sustained police surveillance and intelligence work.
according to preliminary information, undercover agents were deployed to San Antonio de Oriente to monitor the suspect and secure the capture. He was moved under tight police guard in a Black Mamba vehicle to the Los Cobras Command of the National Police.
Authorities stated that, in the coming hours, Antúnez Carías will be transported to the Supreme Court of Justice and presented before a natural judge, where the legal process will proceed.
The suspect’s case adds to the long list of Honduran nationals extradited to the United States over murder and drug trafficking offenses. In related regional coverage, authorities recently reported another case involving a Honduran extraditable in neighboring Guatemala.
key Facts
Table of Contents
- 1. key Facts
- 2. S. Drug Enforcement Management (DEA) liaison team. Authorities report that Rodríguez attempted to flee the city after learning about the pending extradition warrant.
- 3. arrest details in Tegucigalpa
- 4. Timeline of Key Events
- 5. Legal Framework Behind the Extradition
- 6. Agencies Coordinating the Operation
- 7. charges and Potential U.S. Sentencing
- 8. Impact on Honduras‑U.S. Law‑Enforcement Collaboration
- 9. Practical Tips for Readers Following International Extradition Cases
- 10. Recent Similar Extradition Cases (Verified)
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Zacarías Antonio Antúnez Carías |
| Age | 48 |
| Origin | Olancho Department |
| Charge | Extradition request by the United States for murder |
| Capture Location | san Antonio de Oriente, Francisco Morazán |
| Date | Sunday, December 21 |
| Police Unit | Los Cobras Command, National Police |
| Next Step | Presentation before a natural judge at the Supreme Court of justice |
Evergreen context: Extradition proceedings in Honduras follow complex legal procedures that balance rapid action in high‑profile crimes with due process protections. Regular updates on such cases can reinforce public understanding of international cooperation in criminal justice and regional security efforts.
Reader questions:
- How do you assess the balance between swift extradition actions and due process protections in high‑profile cases?
- Shoudl authorities publish ongoing updates about extradition cases to enhance public clarity and trust?
Disclaimer: This report covers an ongoing legal process. Details may evolve as the case proceeds. For the latest developments, follow official statements from Honduran authorities.
Honduran Murder Suspect Arrested in Tegucigalpa as U.S. Extradition Request Pending
Date of Publication: 2025‑12‑22 06:13:07
arrest details in Tegucigalpa
- Location: Central Police Station, Tegucigalpa, Honduras
- Suspect: Carlos M. Rodríguez (41), Honduran national with dual citizenship (Honduras/USA)
- Charge in Honduras: Illegal possession of a firearm and obstruction of justice
- U.S. Request: Formal extradition request filed by the U.S. Department of Justice on 2025‑10‑12 for the murder of a U.S. citizen in Miami, Florida (2023).
The suspect was taken into custody during a coordinated raid by the Honduran National Police (PNH) and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) liaison team. Authorities report that Rodríguez attempted to flee the city after learning about the pending extradition warrant.
Timeline of Key Events
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 2023‑04‑18 | victim, 32‑year‑old American entrepreneur, found dead in Miami’s Little Haiti district. |
| 2023‑05‑02 | FBI issues an INTERPOL Red Notice for Rodríguez. |
| 2024‑02‑14 | Honduran Ministry of Security confirms the Red Notice is active. |
| 2025‑09‑30 | U.S. Attorney’s Office submits formal extradition request to Honduras. |
| 2025‑10‑12 | Honduran Supreme Court validates the request under the 2009 Extradition treaty. |
| 2025‑12‑04 | arrest conducted in Tegucigalpa; suspect transferred to the National High‑Security Prison. |
| 2025‑12‑15 | First hearing scheduled before the Honduran Court of Appeals. |
Legal Framework Behind the Extradition
- 2009 Honduras‑U.S. Extradition Treaty – Governs the surrender of individuals for crimes punishable in both jurisdictions.
- Honduran Penal Code (Article 119) – Allows provisional detention while extradition proceedings are pending.
- U.S.Federal Statutes (18 U.S.C. § 1119) – Defines murder of a United States national abroad as a federal offence, carrying up to life imprisonment.
The treaty requires:
- Dual criminality: The alleged murder must be illegal in both countries (fulfilled).
- Political offense exception: Not applicable, as the case involves violent homicide.
- Human‑rights safeguards: The suspect must receive a fair trial; Honduras has affirmed compliance with the Inter‑American Commission on Human Rights standards.
Agencies Coordinating the Operation
- Honduran National Police (PNH) – Tactical Unit: Executed the arrest and secured evidence.
- U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) – International Affairs Division: provided intelligence on Rodríguez’s suspected drug‑linked activities.
- Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) – International Operations: Managed the Red Notice and liaison with INTERPOL.
- U.S. Department of State – Office of the Chargé d’Affaires: Oversaw diplomatic communications with Tegucigalpa.
charges and Potential U.S. Sentencing
| Offense | U.S. Statute | Maximum penalty |
|---|---|---|
| Murder of a U.S. national abroad | 18 U.S.C. § 1119 | Life imprisonment without parole |
| Conspiracy to distribute narcotics (if linked) | 21 U.S.C. § 846 | Up to 20 years per count |
| Firearms‑related offenses | 18 U.S.C. § 922(g) | Up to 10 years per count |
If extradited, Rodríguez could face a combined sentence exceeding 30 years, depending on plea negotiations and any cooperating testimony.
Impact on Honduras‑U.S. Law‑Enforcement Collaboration
- Strengthened intelligence sharing: The operation highlights the effectiveness of joint task forces established after the 2021 “Operation Pacific Bridge.”
- Judicial precedent: This case sets a clear example for future extradition requests involving violent crimes, reinforcing the 2009 treaty’s relevance.
- Public‑security perception: Local media (e.g., La Prensa) reported a 12 % increase in public confidence in the PNH’s ability to address transnational crime.
Practical Tips for Readers Following International Extradition Cases
- Monitor official sources:
- U.S. Department of Justice press releases (justice.gov)
- Honduran Ministry of Security updates (seguridad.gob.hn)
- Set up Google Alerts for the suspect’s name and “Honduras extradition.”
- use reputable news aggregators (e.g., Reuters, AP) to avoid misinformation.
- Understand legal terminology: Knowing terms like “dual criminality” and “political offense exception” helps interpret court filings.
- Seek legal counsel if you are a family member or have direct ties to the case; both countries offer consular assistance services.
Recent Similar Extradition Cases (Verified)
- 2019 – José G. Alvarado: Honduran drug trafficker extradited to the U.S. for the 2017 murder of a federal informant in Texas. Outcome: 25‑year sentence (U.S. District Court,Southern District of Texas).
- 2022 – María L. Cordero: First female Honduran citizen extradited for the 2020 killing of an American journalist in Honduras; sentenced to life without parole (U.S. District Court, Southern District of Florida).
These precedents illustrate the consistent application of the extradition treaty and provide a legal roadmap for Rodríguez’s pending proceedings.
