Suspect in Deadly Mount Vernon Robbery Extradited to U.S. from Dominican Republic

A man accused of participating in a violent attempted robbery that left two people dead in Mount Vernon has been extradited from the Dominican Republic and is set to appear in federal court.

Marco Tulio Fernandez-Rodriguez, 24, was taken into U.S. custody and arrived in the country on Tuesday, authorities announced. He faces multiple charges, including murder, firearms violations, and conspiracy to distribute narcotics, in connection with a March 2024 robbery attempt at a Mount Vernon warehouse that sold unlicensed marijuana and nicotine products.

According to court documents, a group of at least 11 individuals, including Fernandez-Rodriguez, attempted to rob the warehouse at gunpoint in the early hours of March 19, 2024. As the robbery unfolded, a gunfight broke out between the alleged assailants and a warehouse employee. Both the employee and one member of the robbery crew were fatally shot. The perpetrators fled without taking any merchandise.

Authorities allege that Fernandez-Rodriguez fled the country following the incident. He was arrested in the Dominican Republic on December 4, 2024, before being extradited to face charges in the United States. To date, 12 individuals have been arrested in connection with the case.

Acting U.S. Attorney Matthew Podolsky credited the collaborative effort of multiple law enforcement agencies in bringing Fernandez-Rodriguez into custody.

"The persistence and dedication of our law enforcement partners led to locating the defendant in the Dominican Republic, where he was arrested," Podolsky said. "This Office and our partners will not rest until every individual responsible for these senseless deaths is brought to justice."

FBI officials emphasized their commitment to holding all individuals accountable for violent crimes.

"Today’s extradition and indictment reflect the FBI’s tireless commitment to ensuring all criminals face accountability for their behavior, regardless of where they may hide," said Leslie R. Backschies, Acting Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s New York Field Office.

Fernandez-Rodriguez has been charged with one count of murder through use of a firearm, which carries a potential sentence of life in prison or the death penalty; one count of firearms possession, which also carries a possible life sentence; conspiracy to distribute narcotics, which carries a maximum life sentence; and conspiracy to commit robbery, which has a maximum sentence of 20 years.

Authorities have emphasized that all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Fernandez-Rodriguez is scheduled to appear in White Plains federal court before U.S. Magistrate Judge Andrew E. Krause.