Massachusetts murder suspect arrested in Pennsylvania after decade-long manhunt

Yssael Lantigua Alecon, a Dominican national, has been arrested in Pennsylvania by the U.S. Marshals Service, ending a more than decade-long manhunt for his alleged involvement in a 2015 murder. Lantigua Alecon, 45, was wanted by Massachusetts State Police for his connection to a fatal shooting at the Bali's bar and restaurant in Lawrence.

The incident occurred on May 1, 2015, when Lawrence police responded to reports of a shooting. Upon arrival, officers discovered Joselo Campusano, a 21-year-old man also of Dominican origin, deceased in the restaurant's bathroom with multiple gunshot wounds. Authorities subsequently issued an arrest warrant for Lantigua Alecon, charging him with murder and illegal firearm possession.

After numerous unsuccessful attempts to locate him, Massachusetts authorities enlisted the U.S. Marshals Service to assist in the search. Lantigua Alecon had reportedly used at least six aliases and obtained fraudulent identities over the years, leading law enforcement to consider him armed and dangerous during his 11 years as a fugitive. Known aliases include William Pérez, William Pérez Rodríguez, Issael Alercon, David Cáceres, Ismael Lantigua, and Issael Alturo Alercon Lantigua.

The arrest took place on August 17 in Hazleton City, Pennsylvania. Lantigua Alecon, who resided in Methuen, Massachusetts, at the time of the murder, remains in custody awaiting extradition to Massachusetts. U.S. Marshals described the arrest as a significant victory for public safety, highlighting the perseverance of law enforcement agencies involved in the coordinated investigation across Massachusetts and Pennsylvania.

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The apprehension of one of Massachusetts' most wanted fugitives represents a significant victory for public safety and a testament to the perseverance of law enforcement.