Raymond McLeod, an Ex US Marine is wanted by San Diego Police for the murder of his girlfriend in 2016. An international search for the U.S marine is ongoing as he is believed to have spent time in Southern Belize in 2017 or may still be in the country. San Diego Police are offering $11,000US for information leading to the arrest of 34-year-old Raymond McLeod from Arizona suspected of murdering his girlfriend two years ago while visiting friends in San Diego.
According to Fox 5 San Diego, San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan and other local law enforcement officials made an international plea on Tuesday, April 3, 2018, for help in finding Raymond “RJ” McLeod, who is accused of killing his girlfriend Krystal Mitchell in 2016. He is believed to be in Central America or Mexico.
We’re not going to let the defendant run from justice and get away with murder,” Stephan said. “We’re asking anyone with information to come forward so McLeod can be captured, returned to San Diego and held accountable for his brutal crime. Let us not forget the innocent victim who lost her life.”
Mitchell’s mother, former Det. Josephine Funes Wentzel, has been at the forefront of the search for her daughter’s alleged killed. “Catching McLeod will not bring my daughter back, but would prevent this monster from killing someone else’s mother, daughter or sister,” she said at a news conference at the D.A.’s downtown office.
Mitchell was pronounced dead at an apartment of an acquaintance in the 7600 block of Mission Gorge Road in Allied Gardens early June 2016. She was from Phoenix and had been visiting friends in San Diego. The 30-year-old mother of two was last seen with McLeod, who was also from Phoenix.
“He has a tattooed, muscular physique and is known to frequent gyms,” Sanchez said. “He is also known to use cocaine and marijuana, and seek entertainment in strip clubs.” McLeod, 34, also goes by the name “RJ,” “Matt” and “Mateo” and was described as white, muscular, 5-feet-11 inches tall, weighing 215 pounds and with a birth date of October 3, 1983.
Mitchell’s mother tracked McLeod’s whereabouts in Belize and believes he stayed in areas near the coast, like Punta Gorda, where he can take boats in and out of the country without attracting attention.
“He’s a charming man from what I understand,” Josephine Funes Wentzel told News 5 in Belize. “I believe she was killed because she was trying to get away from him. I (have) gotten contacted by several women who said that he’s very dangerous … so if he approaches you, he would approach you with charm but he’s very dangerous.”
In late 2016, the U.S. Embassy in Belize issued a bulletin to law enforcement officials and media outlets there to be on the lookout for McLeod. The United States Marshals Service is offering a $10,000 reward in addition to Crime Stoppers offering a $1,000 reward for any information that leads to the arrest of McLeod.
Anyone with information was asked to call the San Diego Police Department non-emergency line or Crime Stoppers at 888-580-8477, the Belize Crime Stoppers, Belize Police or The U.S Embassy.
Krystal Mitchell
News Source: Fox 5 San Diego
