Man awaits extradition in slaying
A 25-year-old reputed gang member was arrested in New Mexico on Tuesday and awaits extradition to Southern Nevada in connection with the slaying of a 21-year-old man beaten to death during a gang initiation known as "jumping in," U.S. Marshals said.
Dwayne Romero was arrested by U.S. Marshals in Las Cruces, N.M., hiding out in a back bedroom of a relative's house, authorities said.
Federal agents were tipped that Romero was in New Mexico by the U.S. Marshals Nevada Fugitive Investigative Strike Team.
Las Vegas police accuse Romero of participating in a ritual where men punched, kicked and stomped on the head of Armando Castro on March 14 at a house near Pecos Road and Washington Avenue.
After the beating, Castro was taken to Valley Hospital Medical Center. He died several days later from his head injuries.
In gang culture, potential gang members are "jumped in" to prove their toughness.
Three other men were charged with murder in the case. They are 19-year-old Edgar Ginez, 24-year-old Xavier Gonzalez, and 18-year-old Jacob Hoffman.
Authorities say the suspects are reputed gang members of Vicky's town, which is a gang linked to the Surenos, a street gang with ties nationwide and as far away as South America.
