Antonio ‘El Diablo’ Riano is a suspect in the murder of Benjamin Becarra and has been on the run since 2005
A man who appeared on the television program America’s Most Wanted managed to evade capture for nearly two decades while working in an unexpectedly surprising profession.
Antonio ‘El Diablo’ Riano, 62, entered a not guilty plea in Butler County Court earlier this month, following his arrest after evading law enforcement for several decades.
In 2005, Riano was highlighted on the television program America’s Most Wanted due to his suspected participation in a shooting that occurred outside a bar in Ohio in December 2004.
A tragic event led to the death of 25-year-old Benjamin Becarra, whose body was discovered with a gunshot wound to the face outside the Roadhouse Bar in Hamilton, Ohio.
Antonio ‘El Diablo’ Riano is believed to be on the run since 2005 (Butler County Jail)
After his arrest on August 1, Judge Michael Oster Jr. of the Common Pleas Court ruled that Riano would not be granted bond, resulting in his continued detention at Butler County Jail.
Authorities located the Mexican national in his hometown of Zapotitlán Palmas, located in the State of Oaxaca, Mexico. Investigators found that he was employed as a local police officer there.
This action may be viewed as either carefully planned and precise or as audacious and daring, depending on the context.
In 2004, Riano had been involved in a bar altercation at the location where the shooting took place, as stated by Paul Newton, the chief investigator for the prosecutor’s office.
Newton reported that Riano returned to the bar on December 19, where the bartender requested him to leave, a request he declined to comply with.
A dispute rapidly escalated between Riano and Becerra, prompting the bartender to instruct them to leave the premises. Shortly thereafter, Becerra was shot in the face and discovered lying face down, while Riano had already escaped the scene.
Antonio ‘El Diablo’ Riano has pleaded not guilty to a murder that happened in 2004 (Fox 19)
Authorities successfully identified Riano through surveillance footage captured at the bar, in addition to statements provided by witnesses.
The firearm involved in the shooting was discovered ten days later, concealed within a hidden compartment beneath the kitchen floor of Riano’s residence in Hamilton.
On February 16, 2005, Riano was anticipated to attend his scheduled arraignment following his indictment for first-degree murder; however, he failed to appear.
The manhunt for the suspect then began.
After Riano’s arrest, Butler County Prosecutor Michael T. Gmoser commended the officers and investigators for their successful apprehension of the fugitive.
He stated that such a level of apprehension could not have been achieved without the collaboration and thorough efforts of the investigators from the Prosecutor’s Office, the United States Marshal Service, and the United States Department of Justice.
Riano is due back in court later this month.
Featured Image Credit: Butler County Jail/NBC News
