Maria Narez, a Texas woman accused of killing her 3-year-old daughter, was captured in Mexico after nearly 30 years as a fugitive. Authorities said the arrest followed a joint international law enforcement effort involving agencies in the United States and Mexico. Narez had disappeared before her capital murder case could go to trial in Tarrant County in 1997. She is expected to be extradited to Texas to face the charge.
The case concerns the 1996 death of Kasandra L. White. Court records allege that the child was fatally assaulted, and prosecutors said Narez fled after being released on bond while awaiting trial.
| 1) | Capture follows decades as a fugitive |
| 2) | Details of the child’s death |
| 3) | Bond conditions and disappearance |
| 4) | International investigation and arrest |
| 5) | Expected extradition and next steps |
Capture follows decades as a fugitive
Maria Narez was taken into custody in Mexico on Saturday, according to the Tarrant County District Attorney’s Office. The arrest ended a search that began after she failed to appear for proceedings connected to her daughter’s death. Narez was arrested in Tarrant County in 1996 and later indicted on a capital murder charge, but she left the United States before the case reached trial.
Authorities said she remained out of reach for nearly three decades. The capture was carried out through cooperation between Mexican and U.S. law enforcement agencies, allowing the long-standing case to move toward court proceedings in Texas.
Details of the child’s death
The case involves Kasandra L. White, who was 3 years old when she died. Records obtained by investigators allege that Narez fatally assaulted the child by shaking her, striking her with an unidentified object and throwing her against a wall.
Narez was charged in connection with the death in Tarrant County. The allegations remain claims in a criminal case, and the accused is expected to have the opportunity to contest them in court after returning to Texas.
Bond conditions and disappearance
When the complaint was filed on Dec. 4, 1996, Narez’s bail was set at $500,000. The amount was reduced to $25,000 the next day. Documents outlining her release conditions prohibited contact with children under 17, required electronic monitoring and mandated monthly drug testing.
A grand jury indicted Narez in April 1997, and prosecutors said they were prepared to proceed to trial. On Aug. 28, 1997, her bondsman told the court that he could no longer reach her and did not know where she was. A judge issued an arrest warrant that day. Court records later show that the bond was forfeited on Oct. 7, 1997, and another warrant was issued.
International investigation and arrest
The district attorney’s office said its investigators continued working with international partners to locate Narez. The operation credited Mexico Interpol, the U.S. Marshals Service’s Mexico Foreign Field Office, the Department of Homeland Security and the Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs.
“The DA’s office never gave up on bringing Narez back to face the charge against her and answer for the death of her daughter.”
The statement emphasized that the arrest resulted from a coordinated effort across jurisdictions. Narez had fled to Mexico after disappearing from the Texas case and remained there as authorities continued pursuing her.
Expected extradition and next steps
Narez is expected to be extradited to Texas, where she will face the capital murder charge filed in connection with her daughter’s death. The extradition process will determine when she is returned to Tarrant County and brought before a court.
The capture does not resolve the allegations. Prosecutors must still pursue the case through the Texas court system, while defense attorneys will be able to respond to the charge and the evidence. Officials have not announced a trial date.
| Number | Key Point |
|---|---|
| 1 | Maria Narez was captured in Mexico after nearly 30 years as a fugitive. |
| 2 | She is accused in the 1996 death of her 3-year-old daughter, Kasandra L. White. |
| 3 | She disappeared before her 1997 capital murder trial. |
| 4 | Multiple U.S. and Mexican agencies contributed to the arrest. |
| 5 | She is expected to be extradited to Texas to face the charge. |
Summary
The capture of Maria Narez brings a decades-old Tarrant County capital murder case back before the courts. Authorities allege she killed her young daughter in 1996 and fled before trial. Her expected extradition will allow prosecutors and the defense to address the case through the Texas judicial process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was captured in Mexico?
Maria Narez, who was wanted in connection with the 1996 death of her 3-year-old daughter, was captured after nearly 30 years as a fugitive.
What is Narez accused of?
She faces a capital murder charge related to the death of Kasandra L. White. Court records allege the child was fatally assaulted.
What happens next?
Narez is expected to be extradited to Texas and brought before the court. The criminal case will then proceed under Texas law.
