Murder Suspect Waives Extradition

A 24-year-old murder suspect chose to remain in New Jersey instead of being extradited to Pasadena, it was reported today by law enforcement officials.

Elvin Orlando Estrada, accused of killing a man outside a Pasadena-area auto repair shop on July 16, was apprehended and arrested last week by the U.S. Marshal’s and local law enforcement after he was found hiding in a relative’s home in Roxbury, New Jersey, on July 23, a spokesman for Roxbury Township Police Dept. stated.

He was reportedly armed with a knife at the time he was apprehended, though he was arrested without incident. It was unclear to arresting officers and deputies whether the knife found on him during the apprehension was the same knife allegedly used in the stabbing incident in Pasadena.

The murder suspect was reportedly set to appear in court today in New Jersey. After completion of the hearing, authorities in California are permitted to take over his custody within 10 days and allow him to be released on bail once in-state. He is currently being held at Morris County Jail, authorities said.

Estrada is accused of stabbing and killing Mario Sanchez Pacheco at an auto repair shop here in Pasadena. He voluntarily waived extradition at today’s hearing via a Spanish interpreter. Law enforcement officials have reportedly yet to determine a motive in the alleged stabbing.

A warrant for Estrada’s arrest was issued by Los Angeles County Superior Court on July 22, officials said.

The U.S. Marshal’s office said they had been tracking Estrada’s flight from California to New Jersey, with the suspect’s route reportedly taking him through several southern states.