Long Beach, CA – A 44-year-old California man was arrested in Mexico after allegedly killing his longtime partner and attempting to smuggle her body across the border by placing it in the passenger seat of his car. Authorities say Erick Alcantar Almanza was taken into custody over the weekend after Mexican officials were alerted to his attempt to flee the United States.
The Incident: Body Found in Passenger Seat at Border
Investigators say Almanza drove from Long Beach, California, toward the U.S.-Mexico border with the lifeless body of his partner, 46-year-old Aracely Romero, sitting next to him in the passenger seat. According to officials, he allegedly confessed to killing Romero while en route to Mexico during phone calls with relatives.
Authorities in Mexico intercepted Almanza after his mother contacted local law enforcement, reporting that her son had admitted to the killing and was trying to cross into Baja California. Romero’s body was discovered when Mexican officers stopped the vehicle and questioned the suspect.
“Right now, we are exchanging information to try to locate the scene of the crime that occurred there in Long Beach,” said Miguel Angel Gaxiola, a prosecutor in Baja California.
Investigation and Evidence Collected
Police believe Romero was killed in Long Beach, where the couple lived with their five children, ages 16 to 26. The Long Beach Police Department is working with Mexican prosecutors to determine the exact location and cause of death.
According to reports, Almanza called multiple family members after the alleged killing, telling them what he had done and that he was “driving to Mexico with her.” Relatives last saw Romero alive on Friday, and when she failed to return home, her family became concerned.
Almanza’s mother reportedly played a crucial role in alerting the authorities, notifying Mexican law enforcement that her son had confessed to the crime and was crossing the border.
Court Proceedings and Arrest in Mexico
Mexican officials confirmed that Almanza was arrested on Sunday in Baja California after crossing into the country. He was taken into custody without incident and is being held while prosecutors coordinate with U.S. authorities to pursue extradition.
“We are coordinating with U.S. law enforcement to ensure justice is served in both jurisdictions,” Gaxiola said.
Authorities say Almanza told detectives that he and Romero had been arguing before the killing but did not specify a clear motive or method of death. The official cause of death has not yet been released.
The U.S. Department of Justice and Mexican authorities are now working together to determine whether Almanza will face charges in Mexico or be returned to the United States to stand trial for murder and unlawful transportation of a body.
Statements and Family Reactions
The couple’s oldest son told reporters that his father had struggled with mental illness for years, which may have contributed to the tragedy.
“He wasn’t in his right mind,” the son said. “He confessed on the way to Mexico, and that’s how we knew what happened.”
The son also described his mother as a devoted parent who was deeply loved by her five children. Family members are now mourning her death and calling for accountability.
Neighbors and friends in Long Beach have expressed shock, saying the family seemed close-knit despite recent signs of tension between the couple.
Background Context: Mental Health and Domestic Violence
The case has reignited discussions around mental health struggles and domestic violence. Experts say mental illness can heighten the risk of violence when left untreated, especially in long-term relationships facing emotional or financial stress.
Domestic violence advocates have urged families to seek early intervention when behavioral changes or escalating conflicts are observed.
The National Domestic Violence Hotline (1-800-799-7233) reminds anyone experiencing threats or abuse that help is available 24/7, and resources can be found nationwide.
Ongoing Developments and Next Steps
As of this week, Mexican authorities are holding Almanza pending further investigation. Long Beach police are gathering forensic evidence from the couple’s home and reviewing phone records to confirm the timeline of events.
Officials say the next step will involve formal extradition proceedings, after which Almanza is expected to face charges in the U.S. for murder and flight from prosecution.
Prosecutors are also awaiting autopsy results to determine Romero’s official cause of death, which will be critical in building the case against Almanza.
Conclusion
The shocking discovery of a woman’s body in her partner’s car near the U.S.-Mexico border has stunned both sides of the border and renewed attention to the warning signs of domestic abuse. As authorities in Mexico and California coordinate the investigation, Romero’s family is left seeking justice for the mother of five whose life was cut short in a moment of senseless violence.
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