DA, US Marshals Announce up to $50,000 for Information on Former Marine Wanted for San Diego Murder

District Attorney Summer Stephan joined the U.S. Marshals Service today to announce that Raymond Samuel “RJ” McLeod, Jr., is now a 15 Most Wanted fugitive, and the first fugitive to make his debut on the U.S. Marshals Most Wanted List with a reward of up to $50,000 for information directly leading to his arrest. [TWEET THIS]

McLeod, 37, is wanted for the murder of Krystal Mitchell. McLeod is believed to be on the run in Central America or Mexico. His last reported location was in Guatemala in March of 2017, but he has also been spotted in Belize and in Mexico.

“We’re not going to let this defendant run from justice and get away with murder,” said District Attorney Summer Stephan. “Now that the case has been elevated by the U.S. Marshals and the reward for information is increased, it’s our hope that someone will come forward so McLeod can be captured, returned to San Diego and held accountable for his brutal crime.”

“Raymond McLeod will be the first fugitive in history on our 15 Most Wanted list with an initial reward of up to $50,000,” said U.S. Marshal Service Director Donald Washington. “We want McLeod’s new status as a 15 Most Wanted fugitive and the $50,000 reward amount to be broadcasted far and wide. McLeod poses a significant threat to the public and must be brought to justice.”

On June 10, 2016, San Diego police officers responded to a 911 call of a woman not breathing inside an apartment in the 7600 block of Mission Gorge Road in San Diego. The woman, later identified as 30-year-old Krystal Mitchell from Phoenix, Arizona, was pronounced dead at the scene by medics. Detectives from the San Diego Police Department’s Homicide Unit responded to the scene and determined that Mitchell was last seen alive with her boyfriend (Raymond McLeod). Mitchell and McLeod, also from Phoenix, Arizona, had been in San Diego visiting friends.

McLeod is believed to have fled to Mexico after Mitchell’s death. The District Attorney’s Office has charged McLeod with murder and a warrant has been issued for his arrest. Authorities are withholding details of the murder but say there were signs of struggle at the murder scene.

The victim’s mother, Josephine Funes Wentzel, is a former police detective who has been instrumental in helping authorities search for McLeod. Wentzel has generated leads for law enforcement and helped spread word about the international manhunt on socialmedia.

“Catching McLeod will not bring my daughter back, but would prevent this monster from killing someone else’s mother, daughter or sister,” Wentzel said. “It would also mean that Krystal’s children can sleep at night, knowing he’s been stopped. McLeod has a history of extreme violence against women and even a small child. His tendency is to stalk his victims and strike when they least expect it. He is a ticking time bomb that could go off at any moment and I hope the public will take action and help us bring him to justice.” [TWEET THIS]