A woman from Texas has been apprehended nearly 30 years after she allegedly killed her 3-year-old daughter and escaped to Mexico. Maria Narez, now 48, was taken into custody through a collaboration of international law enforcement. This arrest concludes a lengthy search that started when she disappeared prior to facing a capital murder trial in 1997.
Background of the Case
Maria Narez was initially arrested in 1996 in Tarrant County in connection with the death of her young daughter, Kasandra L. White. Records show that Narez allegedly caused her daughter’s death by shaking her, using an unidentifiable object to strike her, and throwing her against a wall.
Originally, Narez’s bail was set at $500,000. However, it was lowered to $25,000 soon after. Her release conditions required her to avoid contact with minors, submit to electronic monitoring, and undergo monthly drug tests.
Escape and Long-Term Fugitive Status
In April 1997, a grand jury charged Narez with capital murder, and the prosecutors prepared for trial. But by August 1997, Narez’s bondsman reported her absence, leading to a warrant for her arrest. Her bond was forfeited in October 1997, with a note on the document indicating the warrant had not been executed.
Narez fled the country and lived as a fugitive for approximately 30 years. According to the Tarrant County District Attorney’s Office, they remained committed to locating Narez and holding her accountable for her daughter’s death.
International Pursuit and Capture
The capture of Narez involved multiple agencies, including Mexico Interpol, the U.S. Marshals Service, the Department of Homeland Security, and the Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs. The district attorney’s office recognized these organizations’ efforts in her apprehension.
Narez is now expected to be extradited to Texas to face the charges against her. The pursuit of justice by the district attorney’s office and law enforcement underscores the commitment to addressing this long-standing case.