2 ARRESTED ACCUSED OF MURDERING MAN, SUSPECTS FLED TO MEXICO AND RE-ENTERED USA

On June 2, 2023 Erik Espino-Perez, 22, and William Espino-Perez, 25, were arrested charged with the Charlotte, NC murder of Juan Santiago-Flores, 24. The suspects were arrested at the United States border trying to re-enter the USA.

 Juan was murdered on May 15, 2023 on Milton Road Charlotte, NC. Juan was shot at 1:00 a.m. in a drive-by shooting. 911 was called and paramedics transported the victim to Atrium Health Main hospital where he was pronounced deceased.

As a result of the continued investigation, detectives with the CMPD’s Homicide Unit identified Erik and William as suspects. Both suspects fled to Mexico shortly after Juan was killed.  On June 2, 2023, Erik and William were arrested upon attempting to re-enter the United States. The arrests are the result of a coordinated effort of the CMPD’s Violent Criminal Apprehension Team, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the U.S. Customs and Border Protection. 

The following warrants were obtained for the arrests of both suspects: murder conspiracy to commit robbery with a dangerous weapon, attempted robbery with a dangerous weapon, shooting into an occupied dwelling, and attempted murder.