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FBI Seeks Mexican National in California Murder Case
ANTHONY SITE PHOTO
By Anthony W. Haddad
Published 2 hours ago on
June 17, 2026

The FBI is seeking Leonel Isais Garcia in connection with the 1997 murder of his estranged wife in Riverside County, California, after he was charged with murder and unlawful flight to avoid prosecution. (FBI)

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The FBI is seeking the public’s help in locating Leonel Isais Garcia, who is wanted in connection with the 1997 murder of his estranged wife in rural Riverside County.

According to the FBI, Garcia is also known by multiple aliases, including Leonel Garcia Isais, Leo Garcia, and Leonel Garcia-Ysas.

He was born in Mexico and has worked as a mechanic in the past. He is described as a Hispanic male, 5 feet 5 inches tall, weighing 165 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes. He also has a tattoo of a hat on the webbing of his right hand and a small vertical scar on his chin.

Authorities say Garcia may be involved in the illegal drug trade in Mexico and has been described as easygoing, someone who makes friends easily and speaks both English and Spanish fluently. He is also known to enjoy gambling.

The FBI says Garcia is wanted in connection with the June 17, 1997, killing, in which the victim was found shot to death inside her car parked along a roadway shoulder. A state arrest warrant was issued in Riverside County on Feb. 10, 2006, after he was charged with murder.

A federal warrant for unlawful flight to avoid prosecution was issued by the United States District Court for the Central District of California on April 3, 2006.

Authorities said Garcia “should be considered armed and dangerous.”

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Anthony W. Haddad,
Multimedia Journalist
Anthony W. Haddad, who graduated from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo with his undergraduate degree and attended Fresno State for a MBA, is the Swiss Army knife of GV Wire. He writes stories, manages social media, and represents the organization on the ground.

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