After two decades of unresolved grief, the family of Elena Lasswell has finally received a glimmer of closure. Sergio Francisco Reyes, aged 37, was extradited from Mexico on July 10 and subsequently booked into Maricopa County Jail.
His arrest follows a breakthrough in the case of Lasswell’s tragic murder, which occurred exactly 20 years ago on July 10, 2004.
Lasswell, only 15 years old at the time, was found fatally injured inside her Phoenix home, sparking an extensive but initially fruitless investigation by Phoenix Police.
In 2012, advancements in DNA technology enabled detectives to identify Reyes as a suspect, linking him to the crime scene through genetic evidence.
Despite being indicted by a Maricopa County Grand Jury in 2014, Reyes had resided in Mexico until his recent extradition.
“This arrest marks a significant milestone in our pursuit of justice for Elena Lasswell,” stated Phoenix Police Detective Dominick Roestenberg in a video released on social media. “For 20 years, her family has awaited closure, and today, we take a step closer to providing that closure.”
The extradition process, facilitated with the assistance of U.S. Marshals, culminated in Reyes facing charges that include sexual assault, first-degree murder, criminal trespass, burglary, and kidnapping.
The long-awaited apprehension of Reyes signifies a bittersweet victory for Lasswell’s surviving relatives, who have persevered through years of uncertainty and heartache.
Reflecting on the emotional journey, Lasswell’s aunt, Katie Tourville, expressed gratitude to the Phoenix Police Department for their unwavering dedication.
“It’s been a long wait, but knowing that accountability is being served brings a sense of relief,” Tourville told Fox 10 Phoenix. She also conveyed her belief that Lasswell’s late mother, Molly Lasswell, would have found solace in knowing that Reyes can no longer pose a threat to others.
As the legal proceedings unfold, the community awaits justice for Elena Lasswell, whose memory continues to resonate among those who knew her and within the efforts of law enforcement to ensure justice prevails.
