Digital Assignment Editor
Detectives with the Albuquerque Police Department’s Auto Theft Unit assisted the Denton Police Department after locating a vehicle tied to an ongoing Texas murder and missing person investigation.
While conducting a targeted anti-crime operation during the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, focusing on hotels, APD Auto Theft detectives ran a Texas license plate on a white SUV that was returned as stolen.
After discovering the vehicle, APD officers contacted hotel staff and reviewed security surveillance footage, which showed a man parking the vehicle and walking away. The man was subsequently identified as 49-year-old Richard Pastor Perez, who is suspected of killing his estranged wife, 42-year-old Marjulin Daiuru Briceño Arrieta. An arrest warrant for murder has been issued for Perez by Denton authorities.
APD detectives immediately coordinated with investigators from the Denton Police Department. The vehicle was safely recovered and processed at APD’s Crime Lab for potential evidence related to the homicide and missing person investigation, with all findings relayed back to Denton detectives.
Perez’s whereabouts remain unknown. Perez could still be in the Albuquerque area and is considered armed and dangerous. The public is asked to remain vigilant.
APD continues to work alongside federal and out-of-state partners as the investigation moves forward.
The Denton Police Department and FBI Dallas are actively seeking the public’s help in locating Perez. Anyone with information regarding his whereabouts is urged to contact Denton County Crime Stoppers at (800) 388-TIPS (8477) or visit www.dentoncountycrimestoppers.com.
