Samuel Ramirez Jr., 33, was apprehended on March 10, 2026, in Culiacán, Sinaloa, Mexico, just one hour and thirteen minutes after being announced as the 538th addition to the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list. This arrest set a new record for the fastest apprehension of an FBI Most Wanted fugitive in the agency’s history.
The Crimes
Ramirez was wanted for his alleged involvement in the murders of two women on May 21, 2023, at a bar in Federal Way, Washington. The victims were identified as Jessyca Hohn and Katie Duhnke. A third person was also injured during the violent incident.
An arrest warrant was issued for Ramirez following the murders, but he allegedly fled the country to avoid prosecution. Federal agents believed he had traveled to Mexico, where he remained at large for nearly three years before being captured.
Record-Breaking Capture
The speed of Ramirez’s arrest represents an unprecedented development in FBI Most Wanted list history. Previously, the fastest arrest following placement on the list had taken considerably longer, making this capture noteworthy in federal law enforcement history.
Ramirez was apprehended without incident in Culiacán at 11:13 a.m. PT, demonstrating the effectiveness of international law enforcement cooperation and public awareness generated by FBI alerts.
Legal Proceedings
Following his capture in Mexico, Ramirez was deported to the United States and returned to Washington on the evening of March 10, 2026. He was booked into the King County Jail in Washington State and was scheduled to appear in court for his arraignment approximately two weeks after his arrest.
Ramirez faces federal charges related to the murders in King County Superior Court. The double homicide charges carry serious penalties under Washington state law, and if convicted, Ramirez could face life imprisonment without the possibility of parole.