U.S. MARSHALS TASK FORCE ARREST SUSPECT WANTED IN BRUTAL HOMICIDE

The U.S. Marshals Crescent Star Fugitive Task Force apprehended murder suspect Walter Mendez early this evening at the home of a family member on the 4300 Block of Dhemecourt Street in New Orleans. The 26 year-old Mendez is the suspect in a murder that took place at 6797 Mobile Highway in Escambia County, Florida sometime late last night. Police reports indicate the victim suffered from wounds about the head that were consistent with that of a machete or other blunt instrument. Reports reveal that prior to the incident Mendez was seen working with a machete outside of the house on Mobile Highway. According to the same reports, Mendez seemed angry and allegedly made a statement that “…I think I am going to kill someone tonight.”

The Escambia Sheriff’s Office contacted their local U.S. Marshals office, believing that Mendez was heading toward Mississippi. The Marshals’ Gulf Coast Regional Fugitive Task Force began working immediately on the case. They believed that Mendez was in the New Orleans area and contacted the Crescent Star Task Force. At about 4:15 p.m., Deputy Marshals from New Orleans and members of the Crescent Star Task Force approached the house on Dhemecourt and arrested Mendez. Two other subjects found with Mendez are being detained by authorities until their level of involvement in the case can be ascertained.

The U.S. Marshals sponsored Crescent Star Fugitive Task Force includes law enforcement officers from the New Orleans Police Department, Orleans Parish Criminal Sheriff’s Office, St. Charles Parish Sheriff’s Office, Louisiana Probation and Parole, St. Bernard Parish Sheriff’s Office, U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Border Patrol, Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, Bogalusa Police Department, and the Social Security Office of the Inspector General. Other area law enforcement agencies also assist CSFTF in fugitive investigations on a case by case basis.