Prosecutors in Arizona Refuse to Extradite Murder Suspect Due to Lack of Trust in Manhattan District Attorney
The case of a murder suspect has taken a new turn as prosecutors in Arizona have refused to extradite the accused individual to New York due to a lack of trust in Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg. Raad Almansoori, who is currently locked up in Arizona for stabbing two women, is wanted in New York to face charges for a murder that took place in SoHo. However, Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell has expressed her concerns and wants him to remain in Arizona for the time being.
During a press conference, Mitchell stated, “I’ve instructed my extradition attorneys not to agree to that. We’re going to keep him here. These are mandatory prison sentences. And having observed the treatment of violent criminals in the New York area by the Manhattan DA there, Alvin Bragg, I think it’s safer to keep him here and keep him in custody so that he cannot be out doing this to individuals either in our state, county, or anywhere in the United States.”
In response to Mitchell’s comments, a spokesperson from the Manhattan District Attorney’s office, Emily Tuttle, called them “deeply disturbing” and accused Mitchell of “playing political games in a murder investigation.” Tuttle emphasized the commitment of the Manhattan District Attorney’s office to New Yorkers’ safety and highlighted the decrease in murders and shootings since Alvin Bragg took office.
The disagreement between the prosecutors stems from concerns about public safety and the perceived differences in the treatment of violent criminals. While Mitchell wants to ensure that Almansoori remains in custody in Arizona due to what she perceives as a safer environment, the Manhattan District Attorney’s office argues that justice and accountability should be sought for the victim’s death in New York.
Almansoori’s arrest in Arizona is believed to have prevented further harm, as police stated that he had intentions of hurting more people. Police Chief Benny Piña of Surprise, Arizona, said, “This arrest, without a doubt, as heinous as everything he’s done so far, stopped someone from continuing that path of destruction.”
Further investigations have revealed that Almansoori admitted to killing someone in New York earlier in the month. The victim, Denisse Oleas-Arancibia, was allegedly attacked and killed with an iron at a hotel in SoHo. Additionally, Almansoori is accused of sexually assaulting a woman in Florida in April.
Leah Palian, who claims to have worked with Almansoori at an Orlando restaurant, shared a horrifying account of her encounter with him. She stated that Almansoori had a tight grip on her neck, cutting off her airway, and recounted her fear during the incident. Palian expressed her concerns to law enforcement, stating, “I literally, verbatim told them if you let him walk with a slap on the wrist, he’s going to turn into a serial killer.”
Records show that Almansoori was previously charged with Grand Theft Auto in Florida, but charges of sexual battery and aggravated assault were dropped due to insufficient evidence. The decision to drop these charges has left Leah Palian feeling let down by the state of Florida. Almansoori had posted bail there in September.
As the legal battle continues, the sister of Denisse Oleas-Aranciba has expressed her devastation over the loss of her hardworking and bright sibling. The NYPD is now working in collaboration with the FBI to determine if Almansoori may be connected to other crimes.
This case has highlighted the challenges faced by prosecutors across different jurisdictions and the concerns that arise when trust is lacking between law enforcement agencies. It remains to be seen how this disagreement will be resolved and whether Almansoori will ultimately face justice in New York for the alleged murder in SoHo.
