JOLIET, Ill. – Police confirmed Thursday evening the arrest of 17-year-old Nathan Melchor in Tijuana, Mexico.
The high-profile detention comes as a result of an intricate, international operation that spanned across borders, leading to the capture of a teen suspect involved in a harrowing crime back home in June in Joliet that left a 20-year-old man dead in the street.
Charged with two counts of First Degree Murder from the June incident, Melchor’s arrest marks a significant milestone in the pursuit of justice. His capture in Mexico closely follows the arrest of the second suspect, Emilio Aldape, 18, in South Bend, Indiana.
The coordinated operation involved the U.S. Marshals Service, Customs and Border Protection, and other local agencies, both from the U.S. and Mexico.
Residents of Joliet, still grappling with the shock of the June 6th double murder in the 600 block of East Benton Street, may find some solace in the fact that those allegedly responsible are now behind bars.
Melchor is currently held at the River Valley Justice Center, awaiting trial. The community remains hopeful for a full resolution and justice for the victims.
