Honduran homicide suspect extradited to US after years on the run

By Laura Gamba

BOGOTA, Colombia (AA) - Honduran national Eswin Mejia, sought by Nebraska authorities for homicide, was extradited to the United States on Friday.

Mejia is accused by US authorities of causing the death of 21-year-old Sarah Root in Nebraska in 2016. According to reports, a drunk Mejia struck and killed Root, who was returning from her college graduation celebration. Following the incident, Mejia was released on bail but subsequently fled, remaining a fugitive until his capture in Honduras in February 2025.

Honduran police located and arrested Mejia in the village of Rio Frio, within the municipality of San Nicolas, in the Santa Barbara region. On Monday, the Honduran Supreme Court approved Mejia's extradition, who faces charges in the US for motor vehicle homicide and failure to appear in court.

Over the years, US President Donald Trump has highlighted Root's case to underscore the need for immigration reform.

In a statement, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced Mejia's extradition, stating that Trump "never forgot or stopped fighting for justice after Sarah Root was tragically murdered in 2016 by an illegal immigrant who was driving under the influence of alcohol and became a fugitive from justice."

“Today, nine years after Sarah’s passing the night of her college graduation, her parents will know that their tireless advocacy was not in vain. Justice and accountability under the Trump Administration prevailed as the culprit of Sarah’s death has been extradited from Honduras to the United States so he can face justice once and for all,” Rubio added.

Rubio also expressed gratitude to the Honduran government for its cooperation.​​​​​​​