The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) announces Maria Montalvo was captured in San Diego, California, and extradited to Dallas County for unlawful flight to avoid prosecution for murder.

Maria Montalvo was located on May 19, 2020 in San Diego, California, attempting to cross the border into the United States. She was flagged by a U.S. Custom and Border Protection agent and taken into custody after her identity was confirmed. Montalvo was escorted back to Dallas County by deputies with the Dallas County Sheriff’s Department and arrived on Thursday, June 11, 2020. She is currently in custody at the Dallas County Jail.

Maria Montalvo is accused of murdering her husband in April 2013 at their home in Desoto, Texas, as their two children slept upstairs. It is believed that Montalvo fled to Mexico after the crime to avoid arrest. The FBI issued a federal warrant of unlawful flight to avoid prosecution to aid in her apprehension and extradition.

The FBI Dallas Violent Crime Task Force, FBI San Diego, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, San Diego County Sheriff’s Office, Dallas County Sheriff’s Department, Dallas County District Attorney’s Office, and the Desoto Police Department worked collaboratively to ensure Maria Montalvo’s return to Dallas County.

The FBI continues to work with its law enforcement partners to apprehend criminals charged with state crimes who then flee the jurisdiction. Photos and descriptions of many fugitives wanted by the FBI can be found on the FBI’s Wanted webpage on www.fbi.gov or the FBI’s Wanted app.