A dual U.S.-Salvadoran citizen from California was extradited to El Salvador on Wednesday to face aggravated femicide and imperfect homicide charges. The move marks the first time the United States has surrendered an American citizen for prosecution in that country.
Case Overview
Michael Alejandro Castillo Murga, 27, of Beaumont, California, holds dual U.S. and Salvadoran citizenship. He was taken into Salvadoran custody to answer for the 2019 murder of his partner, Melvi Fernanda Nájera Quezada, 23, and the abandonment of their two‑year‑old son.
Investigators say he picked up Nájera Quezada and their son from her mother’s home on January 31, 2019. He then killed her and left the child near her body, which was discovered the next day.
Legal Process
The extradition represents the first instance in which the United States surrendered an American citizen to face prosecution for crimes committed in El Salvador. The Department of Justice confirmed the historic nature of the transfer. 
Castillo Murga contested the transfer in federal court. A judge rejected his petition in November 2025. The court also denied a subsequent request to halt the move in September 2026.
U.S. Marshals arrested him in October 2024 after an extradition request from El Salvador, and the secretary of state authorized his surrender. Marshals then transferred him to Salvadoran authorities on Wednesday.
Broader Implications
The case underscores the growing cooperation between U.S. and Central American law enforcement. It signals a stronger push to pursue violent offenders who flee across borders.
The toddler was found severely dehydrated and bruised. He was rescued days later and placed under child welfare services.
Brittany Miller is a Fox News Digital breaking news writer and former Independent reporter. She graduated from Syracuse University in 2023.
