Honduran National Extradited to U.S. to Face Charges in 2016 Drunk Driving Death
His case drew national attention and led to the introduction of "Sarah’s Law" in Congress, which was later incorporated into the Laken Riley Act.
A Honduran national accused of causing a fatal drunk driving crash in Nebraska nearly a decade ago has been extradited to the United States to face prosecution, officials announced.
Eswin Mejia, who was charged with vehicular homicide in the death of 21-year-old Sarah Root, was returned from Honduras through efforts led by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and other law enforcement agencies, according to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.
Root was killed in January 2016 in Douglas County, Nebraska, when Mejia, allegedly driving with a blood alcohol level three times over the legal limit, crashed into her vehicle. Mejia was arrested and charged but was released on bond the following month. He subsequently fled the country, avoiding prosecution for several years.
His case drew national attention and led to the introduction of "Sarah’s Law" in Congress, which was later incorporated into the Laken Riley Act. The legislation mandates the detention of undocumented immigrants charged with crimes against U.S. citizens.
“The extradition and arrest of this individual mark the culmination of a nearly decade-long effort to seek justice for Sarah Root and her family,” Noem said in a statement. “Thanks to the hard work of Homeland Security Investigation and our interagency law enforcement partners, Eswin Mejia will finally face justice.”
Mejia was first encountered by immigration officials in 2013 after entering the U.S. without inspection. He was issued a notice to appear before an immigration judge but was released while awaiting proceedings.
His return to the U.S. sets the stage for legal proceedings in Nebraska, where he faces charges related to Root’s death.