Authorities are asking the public for help in locating a couple wanted for questioning in the murder of Minnesota man whose remains were found in a shallow grave found earlier this year in a backcountry area of Douglas County.
The skeletal remains of Francisco Alejandro Lopez-Gonzalez, who was reported missing since May 2011 by family members, were discovered in a shallow grave on Feb. 22. His death was ruled a homicide.
In subsequent interviews it was learned that Lopez-Gonzalez flew from his Brooklyn Park, Minn., in May 2011 to Reno to meet with Manuel Acevedo, aka “El Ranas,” for the purpose of collecting money owed.When he didn't return he was reported missing.
After his remains were discovered, Acevedo and his wife, Alondra Acevedo, were interviewed by Douglas County authorities.
However it is now believed Manuel is in Mexico and Alondra, who had been living in Reno, has since left the area, said Douglas County Sgt. Jim Halsey.
The Acevedos have family in the Reno and Carson City area and Douglas authorities are asking for help in locating them.
Here is a press release issued today by the Douglas County Sheriff's Office. A $10,000 reward is being offered through Douglas County Secret Witness for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for Francisco Alejandro Lopez-Gonzalez's death.
In May 2011, Francisco Alejandro Lopez-Gonzalez flew from his home in Brooklyn Park, MN to Reno, NV to meet with an acquaintance, Manuel Acevedo (AKA: “El Ranas”), for the purpose of collecting money owed.
Phone calls received by Lopez-Gonzalez’ friends and family confirm that he arrived in Reno on May 28th, 2011. Lopez-Gonzalez was scheduled to return home the following day, but he never boarded his flight. Shortly thereafter, he was reported as a missing person by his family.
On February 22nd, 2012, skeletal remains were found buried in a shallow grave in a backcountry area of Douglas County, Nevada. The remains were later identified as those of Francisco Alejandro Lopez-Gonzalez. An autopsy confirmed that Lopez-Gonzalez had been murdered. His death has been ruled a homicide.
Manuel Acevedo, the person with whom Lopez-Gonzalez was scheduled to meet with in Reno, consented to an interview with detectives of the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office. During the interview, Acevedo stated he did, in fact, meet with Lopez-Gonzalez in Reno; but he denied knowing where Lopez-Gonzalez went after their meeting. Acevedo further denied any involvement in or knowledge of the homicide of Lopez-Gonzalez.
Two days after his interview with DCSO investigators, Acevedo, a citizen of the United States, fled to Mexico. Acevedo has since been seen in Tijuana, Mexico and surrounding areas.
Acevedo called DCSO investigators a couple times with promises to return to the United States for a second interview; however he has not returned as promised. Acevedo has now ceased contact with DCSO investigators.
Acevedo’s wife, Alondra Acevedo (AKA: Alondra Martinez-Diaz) was initially cooperative with DCSO investigators; however she has recently moved from her residence in Reno, and discontinued her cellular telephone service. It appears Alondra is avoiding contact with investigators.
Both Manuel Acevedo and Alondra Acevedo have family in Reno and Carson City, Nevada; as well as in Southern California and Mexico.
Alondra was last seen driving a white, 1993 Honda sedan, bearing Nevada license plate #019XTJ. The vehicle is registered to her husband, Manuel Acevedo.
Both Manuel Acevedo and Alondra Acevedo are wanted for additional questioning in the homicide of Francisco Alejandro Lopez-Gonzalez.
Persons with information regarding the current whereabouts of Manuel Acevedo or Alondra Acevedo, or their vehicle, or any additional information pertinent to this case, are urged to call DCSO Investigator N. Chrzanowski at 775-782-9907.
Douglas County Secret Witness is also offering a reward of $10,000.00 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person(s) responsible. Persons wishing to remain anonymous may provide tips on the Douglas County Secret Witness line at: 775-78-CRIME (775-782-7463).