Incident Overview
In a shocking turn of events, Antonio “El Diablo” Riano, a suspect from a 2004 murder case, has been located in Mexico, where he had been working as a police officer. Riano had been on the run for nearly two decades before being tracked down by investigators and U.S. Marshals.
The investigation revealed Riano as the shooter in a 2004 incident near the University of Cincinnati. Despite extensive efforts to evade capture, he was finally found and is now en route to Butler County, Ohio, to face charges for his crimes, bringing a sense of closure to the community.
The Initial Crime
On a fateful morning in 2004, two men were shot near the University of Cincinnati’s campus. Police responded to the 2800 block of Short Vine around 8:30 AM. One of the victims was found with non-life-threatening injuries at the scene and was taken to UC Medical Center. The second victim took themselves to the hospital and also had non-life-threatening injuries. This incident has remained under investigation ever since.
Identification and Escape
The investigation revealed that Antonio Riano was the suspect behind the shooting. Surveillance cameras captured the ordeal, and in the days that followed, police identified Riano as the shooter and found the murder weapon hidden inside his apartment. However, Riano had fled the country and went into hiding, leading to a lengthy search by law enforcement.
The Long Pursuit
Riano’s escape led to an extensive and complicated search that spanned nearly 20 years. His name remained on the most-wanted posters in Butler County for two decades, with outstanding warrants and red notices from international agencies like INTERPOL. Despite the challenges, investigators and the Butler County Prosecutor’s Office persisted in their pursuit of justice.
Discovery and Arrest
After years of paperwork, affidavits, and cooperation with federal authorities, investigators finally located Riano in Mexico. To their shock, Riano was found working at a police department. His discovery was met with disbelief by those involved in the case, who couldn’t fathom how a murder suspect had managed to evade capture and work in law enforcement for so long.
Extradition and Legal Proceedings
Riano, now 72 years old, is en route from CVG Airport to Butler County, Ohio, where he will face charges for his crimes. The process of bringing him back to face justice involved significant effort and coordination among various law enforcement agencies.
Community Reaction
The arrest of Riano has brought a sense of closure to the community and the victims’ families. The Butler County Prosecutor’s Office has expressed their commitment to ensuring that justice is served, regardless of how long it takes. The community, too, has reacted with a mix of relief and shock, knowing that a long-standing fugitive has finally been apprehended.
Closing Remarks
This case underscores the importance of persistence and cooperation in law enforcement. The nearly two-decade-long pursuit of Antonio Riano is a testament to the dedication of investigators and the legal system’s commitment to justice.
As Riano faces his charges, the community can take solace in the fact that justice, though delayed, will ultimately be served. The apprehension of Antonio Riano is a significant victory for the law enforcement agencies involved and a reminder that justice can prevail, no matter how long it takes.
