A San Jose man accused of fatally shooting another man in front of the victim’s family during an argument over a parking spot was arrested in Baja, Mexico, after more than four years on the run, police announced Thursday.
Authorities apprehended Uatesoni Joseph Paasi in Rosarito on Nov. 22, following what police described as an exhaustive investigation that included the help of federal agents. Paasi was booked into Santa Clara County Jail on Dec. 2 on suspicion of murder.
“If you want to play hide and seek, know that we will find you, no matter what country you cower in,” San Jose Police Chief Paul Joseph said in a statement. “Our relentless pursuit of dangerous and violent suspects is not defined by borders.”
Paasi is accused of killing 33-year-old Marco Antonio Santos in June 2021. Police say Santos was shot in front of his wife and two of his four children during the parking dispute at an apartment complex at the 4100 block of The Woods Drive.
The victim’s family said Santos died on his birthday. At the time of his death, his children were between 6 and 15 years old.
“My husband’s life was taken by this suspect,” Sandra Santos, the victim’s wife, said after the shooting. “He left behind not only me but our children as well. We miss him very much and we want justice done for my husband.”
Last month, police offered a $10,000 reward for information on Paasi’s whereabouts, saying they believed he was living in Baja.
After narrowing their investigation to a town in Mexico, police asked for help from the U.S. Marshals Service, which, along with Mexican authorities, worked to arrest Paasi.
“We pursue violent offenders who believe they can run from justice and not be held accountable for their actions,” U.S. Marshals Chief Inspector Sean LoPiccolo said in a statement. “The arrest of Uatesoni Paasi demonstrates the great relationship we share with the San Jose Police Department and our shared commitment to the relentless pursuit of justice.”