A U.S. fugitive known as “The Devil,” wanted for a murder in Ohio 20 years ago, has been captured in Mexico. Antonio “El Diablo” Riano, now 72, was arrested in Zapotitlan Palmas and charged with first-degree murder related to a shooting in suburban Cincinnati in 2004.
Riano had fled the state and the country after the shooting, in which he allegedly killed Benjamin Becarra. He was on the Butler County Sheriff’s Office “Most Wanted” list and featured on “America’s Most Wanted.” After being elusive for years, he was found working as a local police officer in Mexico.
When Riano was arrested and brought back to the U.S., he claimed that he became a police officer to help the people of Mexico. When asked if he killed Becarra, he denied the accusation. Witnesses reported an argument between Riano and Becarra at a bar in Ohio, which led to the fatal shooting captured by surveillance cameras.
The investigation into Riano’s whereabouts was reignited earlier this year, leading to his discovery in Mexico. With the help of social media and determined investigators, Riano was located and arrested. Authorities found out that he had been living in Mexico under a different identity and working as a police officer.
Riano’s arrest and extradition were a result of the collaboration between agencies and the persistence of investigators who never gave up on the case. The U.S. Marshal for the Southern District of Ohio emphasized the importance of sharing information and the dedication of those involved in solving the case.
The victim’s family was informed of Riano’s arrest, and it was revealed that he still has family in Ohio. The case serves as an example of the relentless pursuit of justice and the tireless efforts of law enforcement agencies to capture fugitives and bring them to face the consequences of their actions.
