Suspect in 2020 killing extradited from Mexico makes not guilty plea

A man extradited from Mexico and charged in the 2020 death of a woman entered a not guilty plea Thursday.

Authorities brought Erick Rangel-Ibarra, 30, back to Las Vegas in late August. He is accused of killing Lesly Palacio, who disappeared on Aug. 30, 2020 and whose body was found 10 days later in Moapa Valley, near Valley of Fire State Park.

Palacio’s family last saw her when she went to get drinks with Rangel-Ibarra, the son of her godmother.

When Rangel-Ibarra appeared in court last week, he asked for time to hire a private attorney. But at Thursday’s hearing, Chief Deputy Special Public Defender Matthew Pennell said his office would be representing Rangel-Ibarra.

Rangel-Ibarra’s father, Jose Rangel, previously admitted that he helped his son move Palacio’s body. Authorities have said both men then fled to Mexico.

District Judge Tierra Jones scheduled Rangel-Ibarra’s trial for Aug. 24, 2026.

A previous version of this story misspelled the special public defender’s last name.

Contact Noble Brigham at nbrigham@reviewjournal.com. Follow @BrighamNoble on X.