Murder suspect caught, one on the run

ALBUQUERQUE (KRQE) - Now that suspected child killer Noe Torres has been captured in Mexico, officials are turning their attention to his best friend who is also on the run for the same murder. In fact, they are telling Edward Salas to keep one eye open.

The suspected child killer known as “Lil Loco” wrote a letter to Governor Susana Martinez asking for help. That letter landed him in handcuffs.

“Still as of today I have unanswered questions,” Patricia Perez said.

More than six years after her brother was hit by a bullet as he slept in the family's Clovis apartment, it's still hard for his sister Patricia to talk about what happened on the night before his 11th birthday.

“This has hit all of us, my family and I, this hurt, has left us traumatized,” said Perez.

Four men looking for Carlos' older brother went to the Perez's apartment and fired nine bullets through a window. One hit Carlos in the head. Noe Torres vanished, but never left the spotlight.

District Attorney Matt Chandler said Tuesday, “During that six years and four months Noe Torres would taunt law enforcement.”

Two weeks ago he sent a letter to Governor Martinez, asking her to get his charges dropped.

“He wanted me to send him a message through the media,” said Martinez. “Well, Noe here's my message through the media. I don't help child killers.”

Instead she gave the letter and info U.S. Marshals had gotten on Torres' location to Chihuahua Governor Cesar Duarte; who she was meeting that night for a previously scheduled dinner.

“He did not hesitate, not once to say that he would assist us immediately,” said Martinez.

Six days later Torres was caught leaving a religious compound in Mexico City.

One of Torres' accomplices, Edward Salas, was convicted and serving a 56 year sentence when he broke out of the Curry County jail in 2008.

Authorities have long believed he and Torres were hiding out in Mexico together.

Matt Chandler says he has a message for Salas, ”You better sleep with one eye open because eventually you will be caught and brought back to justice.”

Officials expect to have Torres extradited to the U.S. in about two weeks. Chandler wants him held at the state pen.

“I think Noe Torres deserves to be in maximum security,” Chandler said.

There is a $25,000 reward for Edward Salas arrest.

Salas' little brother was sent to juvenile detention until his 21 birthday for his part in the crime. He should be out in about a year.

Governor Martinez said her connection to Chihuahua Governor Duarte will lead to more fugitives being returned more quickly from Mexico to face justice.