A manhunt is currently underway in Prince Edward County, Virginia after two illegal aliens, Alder Alfonso Sotelo and Arturo Marin Sotel, were arrested and charged last year with the murder of K9 officer Ned Byrd. The brothers are accused of shooting and killing Officer Byrd on August 12, 2022. On Monday morning, authorities from the Wake County Sheriff's Office and FBI were notified that Alder had escaped from jail. As a result, the FBI has now joined local law enforcement agencies in their search for the dangerous suspects.
In November 2022, Alder was convicted as a killer and pleaded guilty to illegal possession of a firearm by an illegal alien in federal court to felony possession. He is still awaiting trial for his involvement in the murder case alongside his brother Arturo.
According to police reports surrounding the tragic incident involving Officer Byrd's death; it is alleged that he was shot six times in the back of his head by one or both brothers while responding to an emergency call concerning suspicious activity near their residence. Authorities believe that following this brutal act - which resulted in losing one its most dedicated officers - these criminals planned on fleeing North Carolina altogether so as not be apprehended by law enforcement personnel searching tirelessly over recent months since initial arrest warrants were issued against them.
Prince Edward County Police Chief Michael Trowbridge expressed deep concern over this development: "We are working closely with our partners at both state level such Federal Bureau Investigation (FBI) National Central Intelligence Agency ensure every resource available deployed locate capture those responsible taking life public servant who served community honor distinction."