Editor's Note: Corrections were made to this story at 11:08 a.m.
The hunt for a Redwood City murder suspect that had been ongoing for more than eight years came to a close this week when the Redwood City Police Department (RCPD) discovered their suspect had been killed in Mexico.
Heriberto Sanchez was accused of shooting two men, Elisondo Mendoza and a juvenile, in a gang-related incident that broke out during a birthday party in a rental at the Community Activities Building in the parking lot of the Red Morton Community Center on April 17, 2004. Mendoza died from his wounds; the juvenile survived.
Sanchez reportedly fled to Mexico after the shooting.
On Friday, the RCPD learned that Sanchez had been murdered in Jalisco, Mexico, and that his body was being transported back to California for burial.
Sanchez’ identity was confirmed by a fingerprint comparison.
"The investigation is now closed," read a statement send out by the department Monday.
In September of 2010, Sanchez' common-law wife, Ana Cervantes, was arrested for her involvement in the homicide as she tried to cross the border back into California. Cervantes reportedly provided Sanchez the gun that was used in the shooting.
Cervantes was sentenced to five years in prison for accessory to murder.
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