Phoenix Police Arrest Fugitive In Mexico in 25-Year-Old Cold Murder Case

PHOENIX – A 65-year-old fugitive from justice, sought for more than 25 years for a Phoenix stabbing death has been arrested.

On Thursday, Abraham Rafael Pedroza‑Garcia was returned to Arizona after being extradited from Mexico.

According to Phoenix Police Department Sergeant Chris Berrelleza, on April 1, 2000, Pedroza‑Garcia unlawfully entered the Phoenix residence of his former girlfriend, later identified as Maria Cruz-Galvan. During the incident, Pedroza‑Garcia fatally stabbed Maria and critically injured a male victim, who was in the home. He fled the scene and remained a fugitive. Pedroza-Garcia was identified in a photo lineup by the surviving adult male victim and an arrest warrant for first‑degree murder, aggravated assault, and first‑degree burglary was issued on September 13, 2000.

Over the years, the Phoenix Police Department and the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office worked closely with the U.S. Marshals Service District of Arizona WANTED Violent Offender Task Force to locate Pedroza‑Garcia. Investigators from the U.S. Marshals Service District of Arizona Mexico Investigative Liaison Team ultimately determined he was living in Mexico.

Because the suspect was outside the United States, his apprehension required international coordination involving the Phoenix Police Department Homicide Cold Case Team, the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office, the U.S. Marshals Service District of Arizona WANTED Violent Offender Task Force, the District of Arizona Mexico Investigative Liaison Team, the U.S. Marshals Service International Investigations Branch – Mexico Foreign Field Office, and Mexican law‑enforcement partners.

Pedroza‑Garcia was taken into custody in Mexico. On September 11, 2026, members of the District of Arizona Mexico Investigative Liaison Team escorted him back to Arizona without incident.

He was transferred to Phoenix Police investigators to face the outstanding charges stemming from the 2000 homicide.

Pedroza‑Garcia was booked for first‑degree murder, aggravated assault, and first‑degree burglary.