Fugitive Charged with 1995 Murder of Galena Park HS Cheerleader Extradited from Mexico

A fugitive charged with murder in connection to a 1995 shooting in Houston has been successfully extradited from Mexico, announced Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg on Thursday.

Jose Luis Rios, 47, and his accomplice, Jorge Mendez, fled the country after allegedly opening fire on a group of people in Channelview Park. The incident resulted in the death of 19-year-old Kristie Martin and the injury of another woman. Martin was a student and cheerleader at Galena Park High School.

Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg expressed gratitude for the collaborative efforts between the Harris County District Attorney’s Office and the FBI, stating, “The Harris County District Attorney’s Office and the FBI worked hand-in-hand to find, detain, and extradite this accused killer. And now we can continue our work in the courts to get justice for the victim and her family.”

Rios and Mendez, local gang members, drove a red truck through River Terrace Park in Channelview in the early hours of December 23, 1995. They approached a blue Chevrolet Beretta in a secluded area of the park where Kristie Martin and her companions were present. After a brief exchange, Rios allegedly fired at least five shots, fatally striking Martin in the back and injuring the other woman.

Acting Special Agent in Charge David Martinez of the FBI Houston Field Office highlighted the bureau’s global reach and international partnerships, stating, “Fugitive Jose Luis Rios was arrested in Mexico in August thanks to the FBI’s global reach and international partnerships.”

Despite the suspects fleeing to Mexico, the FBI, with the assistance of local authorities, continued their pursuit. Mendez was arrested in Mexico in 2001, tried, and sentenced to 31 years in prison.

After nearly 28 years, Rios was arrested in Mexico in August. He arrived in Houston late Wednesday and now faces the possibility of life in prison if convicted of murder.

The case gained national attention and was featured on television shows such as America’s Most Wanted and Unsolved Mysteries. Acting Special Agent in Charge Martinez acknowledged the persistence of law enforcement, saying, “To the victims and their families, you don’t forget and neither do we.”

Kim Bryant, head of the DA’s Fugitive Apprehension Section, credited the FBI Houston’s Violent Crimes Task Force and the FBI’s Mexico City Legal Attaché Office for their efforts in bringing Rios back to the United States.