Springfield, IL – A man wanted in the 2023 murder of a Springfield woman has been captured in Mexico, officials confirmed Thursday.
According to Sangamon County State’s Attorney John Milhiser, along with the Springfield Police Department and the U.S. Marshals Service, Gabriel P. Calixto was taken into custody in connection with the death of 24-year-old Emma Shafer. Authorities said the suspect was indicted by a Sangamon County Grand Jury and faces three counts of first-degree murder and one count of aggravated domestic battery.
Police reports show that on July 11, 2023, Springfield officers were dispatched to a residence in the 1000 block of South 8th Street. Upon arrival, they allegedly found Shafer deceased inside the home. Following an investigation, Calixto was identified as a suspect and later charged before fleeing the country.
Authorities acknowledged the assistance of multiple federal agencies in locating and arresting Calixto, including the U.S. Department of Justice Office of International Affairs, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and U.S. Attorney’s Offices for the Central and Southern Districts of Illinois.
The Sangamon County State’s Attorney’s Office said extradition proceedings are now underway to bring Calixto back to Illinois to face charges. Officials emphasized that no additional information will be released until further steps in the legal process are completed.
The arrest marks a significant development in a case that has remained open for more than two years, with family members and the Springfield community awaiting justice for Shafer’s death.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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