Two illegal Guatemalan immigrants who skipped their court hearings have been arrested in connection with the murder of a woman whose body was discovered buried in a Maryland state forest.
Key Takeaways
- Keycy Robinson Alexis Barrera-Rosa, 23, has been charged with the first-degree murder of his girlfriend, Lesbia Mileth Ramirez Guerra, while his uncle Rolvin Eduardo Barrera-Barrera, 37, is charged as an accessory.
- Both suspects entered the U.S. illegally near El Paso in April 2019 and subsequently failed to appear for their immigration court hearings.
- Barrera-Rosa reported his girlfriend missing on March 31, but was arrested by ICE on April 5, with murder charges filed on April 18 after her body was found in Cedarville State Forest.
- ICE officials emphasized that this case highlights the public safety threat posed by illegal immigrants who commit violent crimes after evading immigration enforcement.
- Barrera-Barrera remains in custody at the Charles County Detention Center while Barrera-Rosa is being held at the Farmville Detention Center awaiting extradition.
Border Crossers Evaded the Immigration System Before Murder
ICE has apprehended two Guatemalan nationals in Charles County, Maryland, in connection with a homicide case that has sent shockwaves through the local community. Keycy Robinson Alexis Barrera-Rosa, 23, is facing first-degree murder charges for allegedly killing his girlfriend, Lesbia Mileth Ramirez Guerra, while his uncle, Rolvin Eduardo Barrera-Barrera, 37, is charged with helping conceal the victim’s body. Both suspects entered the United States illegally near El Paso, Texas, in April 2019 and subsequently failed to appear for their scheduled immigration hearings.
“This heinous crime not only devastated a community but also reinforced the urgent need to prioritize public safety by identifying, arresting, and removing egregious illegal aliens who threaten our neighborhoods,” said Vernon Liggins, ICE Baltimore acting Field Office Director.
The timeline of events reveals a disturbing sequence. On March 31, Barrera-Rosa reported Ramirez Guerra missing to local authorities. Just five days later, on April 5, ICE officers arrested him in La Plata, Maryland. The investigation culminated on April 18 when authorities discovered Ramirez Guerra’s body buried in Cedarville State Forest, leading to formal murder charges against Barrera-Rosa and accessory charges against his uncle for allegedly helping dispose of the victim’s remains.
Immigration Enforcement Taking Action
The case highlights the persistent challenges in tracking and managing individuals who enter the country illegally. Both suspects had been apprehended by U.S. Border Patrol near El Paso in 2019 and were served notices to appear before immigration judges. However, they subsequently missed their court dates and remained in the country illegally until their recent arrests. This pattern of evading immigration proceedings only ended after the alleged murder triggered renewed law enforcement attention.
“The arrest of these two individuals marks a significant step towards justice,” said Vernon Liggins, ICE Baltimore acting Field Office Director.
ICE officials emphasized that this case demonstrates their commitment to public safety and removing illegal aliens who pose threats to communities. Currently, Barrera-Barrera remains held without bond at the Charles County Detention Center, while Barrera-Rosa is in ICE custody at the Farmville Detention Center in Virginia awaiting extradition to face the murder charges in Maryland. The stark reality of this case has reinforced concerns about the potential public safety implications when individuals evade immigration enforcement.
Community Impact and Agency Response
The murder case has had a profound impact on the Charles County community and underscores the critical role of cooperation between local and federal law enforcement agencies. ICE has highlighted this case as part of its broader mission to enhance public safety by identifying and removing individuals who pose serious threats. The agency continues to encourage public participation in reporting suspicious activities and potential immigration violations through their dedicated hotline and online tip form.
“ICE will continue to work tirelessly, side by side with our law enforcement partners, to safeguard our communities and uphold the rule of law,” said Vernon Liggins, ICE Baltimore acting Field Office Director.
This case exemplifies the ongoing challenges faced by communities and law enforcement agencies dealing with the consequences of illegal immigration and the importance of effective enforcement mechanisms. For President Trump’s administration, which has consistently emphasized stronger border security and immigration enforcement, this case represents exactly the type of public safety threat that stricter immigration policies are designed to prevent. The tragic outcome for Ramirez Guerra serves as a sobering reminder of what can happen when immigration laws are not effectively enforced.
