Breakthrough in Long-Pending Case
The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) has announced a major development in a six-year-old homicide investigation with the arrest of a second suspect tied to the 2019 killing of 16-year-old Eberson Guerra-Sanchez.
Authorities confirmed that 26-year-old Erick Palacios-Argueta was taken into custody on Wednesday in Reisterstown, Maryland. The arrest came after a Washington, D.C. grand jury returned an indictment connected to the case.
The 2019 Homicide
On April 27, 2019, police responded to the 5200 block of Canal Road, Northwest, where they discovered Guerra-Sanchez, a resident of Frederick, Maryland, dead in a wooded area. The teenager had suffered multiple stab wounds and was pronounced dead at the scene.
The brutal killing shocked the community and launched an extensive investigation that spanned years, involving multiple agencies and extensive evidence reviews.
First Arrest in 2024
The case gained traction last summer when police announced the first major breakthrough. In July 2024, 25-year-old Pedro Alexander Joya Argueta was arrested and charged with First Degree Murder While Armed – Felony Murder. That arrest followed the issuance of a warrant by the D.C. Superior Court.
Officials said evidence collected over the course of the investigation helped secure the charges, signaling progress toward accountability after years of uncertainty.
Second Suspect in Custody
The latest arrest of Palacios-Argueta adds another layer to the case. The U.S. Marshals Service located and detained him, and authorities confirmed he did not have a permanent address.
According to MPD, Palacios-Argueta faces charges of First Degree Murder While Armed (Gun). He is expected to be extradited to Washington, D.C., where he will formally face the indictment.
Law Enforcement Collaboration
Police officials highlighted the arrest as an example of coordinated law enforcement work. The MPD Major Crimes Division worked closely with federal partners, including the U.S. Marshals Service, to track down and detain the suspect across state lines.
“This case underscores the commitment of law enforcement to pursue justice, no matter how much time has passed,” MPD said in a statement.
Commitment to Justice
The two arrests represent significant progress in a case that has weighed heavily on the victim’s family and community for more than six years. Authorities stressed that their efforts remain focused on bringing closure to those affected and ensuring accountability through the courts.
While details of the suspects’ possible connection to the victim and each other have not been disclosed, prosecutors are expected to outline their case as the legal process moves forward.
Next Steps
Palacios-Argueta will remain in custody pending extradition and court proceedings in Washington, D.C. Both suspects now face charges that could result in life sentences if convicted.
MPD continues to encourage anyone with additional information about the 2019 homicide to come forward, reaffirming their dedication to pursuing unsolved cases until justice is served.
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