Source: US FBI
SAN JUAN, PR—Special Agent in Charge (SAC) Devin J. Kowalski, of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), San Juan Field Office, announced today the arrest of Javier Santos-Alejandro (Santos-Alejandro).
Santos-Alejandro was charged under a Federal Criminal Complaint with violations of Title 18, United States Code, Sections:
- 2119(1) and (2): Carjacking—Aiding & Abetting
- 924(c)(1)(A)(ii) and (2): Brandishing of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Crime of Violence—Aiding & Abetting
- 2119(3) and (2): Attempted Carjacking Resulting in Death—Aiding & Abetting
Charges included in the complaint are related to events which took place July 2nd and July 5th, which led to the death of Natalia Aileen Santiago-Rivera.
“Today’s arrest is an important step in the journey to secure justice for Natalia’s family,” said SAC Kowalski. “I am proud of, and thankful for, the dedicated FBI Special Agents, Intelligence, and Professional Staff – as well as our incredible teammates at the Police of Puerto Rico and the United States Attorney’s Office – who have worked this case relentlessly. But we are not done, and you can expect us to persistently investigate this tragedy until everyone involved is held accountable. My advice to those who think they can get away with this: you won’t, so turn yourselves in.”
This case is being investigated by the FBI San Juan Field Office in partnership with the Police of Puerto Rico and is being prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Puerto Rico.
Tips and information assist the FBI and its federal, state, and local law enforcement partners. The FBI reminds the public that anyone with information on this case should contact the FBI San Juan Field Office immediately by calling 787-987-6500 or submit tips through the FBI’s Internet complaint portal at tips.fbi.gov. Tipsters may remain anonymous.
The public is reminded that a Federal Criminal Complaint contains only charges and is not evidence of guilt. Defendants are presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty by a court of law. The U.S. government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.