Suspect in Chelsea strip club murder found in Mexico

October 31, 2008 03:09 PM Email| Comments (11)| Text size – +

By John R. Ellement, Globe Staff

The suspect in a January shooting inside a Chelsea nightclub that killed one man and wounded two others was arrested Thursday in Mexico City, where he had been tracked by Chelsea, state, and federal investigators, Suffolk District Attorney Daniel F. Conley said today.

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Jesse Camacho

Jesse Camacho allegedly got into an argument inside King Arthur's Lounge Jan. 25 and then pulled out a handgun and fired at least seven rounds. Jeff Santiago, a patron and Everett resident, was struck several times and later died.

A 41-year-old Charlestown man who was working at the club and a 29-year-old friend of Santiago's was also wounded, authorities said.

In a statement released today following a news conference, Conley said that law enforcement traced Camacho first to Los Angeles, where he was born, and then to Mexico and Mexico City. On Thursday night, Camacho was taken into custody as he got off a bus, Conley said.

“For anyone who thinks they can take a life and simply run away, take note: Whoever you are, wherever you run, whatever you do to evade the law, we will find you,'' Conley said in the statement. "And when we do, we will hold you to account.”

Conley said he is working with the federal government and Mexican authorities to bring Camacho back to Suffolk County so he can be tried on first-degree murder and other charges.

Camacho was 19 at the time of the shooting and had already been involved in other acts of gun-related violence.

He admitted to committing a drive-by shooting on Everett Avenue in Chelsea in 2005 when he targeted three teenagers. No one was injured. In January 2006, he pleaded guilty in Boston Juvenile Court to three counts of assault with a dangerous weapon and unlawful possession of a firearm.

He was ordered into the custody of the Department of Youth Services until his 18th birthday, which was in 2006.

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11 comments so far...

NOW the Santiago Family May find some peace and start the healing of their life. I hope he gets life If you take a life you should do life. Please let the young people out there know that playing with guns is just playing with fire you will get burnt!!!! I pray for the Santiago that they get through this with peace and start healing keeping the good things in mind.

Posted by E.boston parent October 31, 08 03:25 PM

i guess you have to kill some first, then they'll " hold you to account.".
How many times can you get away with attempted murder first?
I guess three before they hold you to account.
Gotta love this state if your a criminal.

Posted by jim October 31, 08 03:29 PM

He shot at 3 people in a drive-by shooting and served just a few months??? Then he is only 19 and in a club where he kills someone??? Is he a U.S. Citizen? Threw away the key and save some lives!

Posted by WeLostOurCountry October 31, 08 04:19 PM

This kid is proof that DYS is a JOKE and so is the juvenile criminal court system.

He was 16 and did a drive by trying to shoot 3 people!! Why wasnt he tried as an adult then??? Maybe a felony conviction wouldve landed him some much needed prison time back then

Posted by kara o October 31, 08 04:47 PM

Look him up for good.. he is no good..

Posted by Shelley October 31, 08 05:03 PM

What a FAT PIG. Glad to see the Judical system actually hunted this person down. And they cant find Whitey. Oh is to many hands in his pockets protecting him.

Posted by chris98 October 31, 08 05:05 PM

Gee do you think our justice system works when a 16 year old kid does a drive by shooting and gets a slap on the wrist. A year and a half in juvie hall, you have to be kidding me. Let's pass some more laws so law abiding gun owners can pay for this little jerk. The time to start treating these kids like Adults and let them do some hard time. I am sure the Santiago Family would agree.

Posted by psquiggs October 31, 08 05:33 PM

It's Obama's fault for palling around with terrists. It's the media's fault.

Posted by heyduke October 31, 08 08:08 PM

Finally.. We have been waiting since janurary 24th for this now we can rest eazy and so can he RIP Jeff Santiago Gone but Never forgotten!

Posted by Like Family October 31, 08 08:19 PM

I hope this gives a bit of Closure to the Santiago Family and to his friends who where like family. its a bitter sweet subject, and i hope justice is served. i hope he never gets to see freedom again unless hes in a box, a lot of people suffered for this fools actions.
R.I.P. "Jeff "

Posted by DC October 31, 08 11:26 PM

well i have to say jeff santiago is my uncle my family is still hurt for what this kid done .we miss him alot .R.I.P UNCLE JEFF

Posted by ROSEMARIE SANTIAGO November 5, 08 04:02 PM