Fugitive Nicknamed ‘The Devil’ Captured 20 Years After Ohio Killing — While Working as Police Officer in Mexico

Christine Pelisek

August 5, 2024 at 3:57 p.m.·2 min read

Mexican authorities handed over Antonio Riano, 72, to the U.S. Marshals Service in Mexico City on Thursday, Aug. 1

<p>Butler County Sheriff</p> Antonio "El Diablo" Riano — Butler County Sheriff
Antonio "El Diablo" Riano

A U.S. fugitive nicknamed “The Devil” who was wanted in connection with a fatal shooting 20 years ago was taken into custody last week in Mexico.

Mexican authorities handed over Antonio Riano, 72, to the U.S. Marshals Service in Mexico City on Thursday, Aug. 1.

Authorities said Riano was working as a local police officer in his hometown of Zapotitlan Palmas, State of Oaxaca when he was caught, according to a U.S. Marshals Service press release.

Riano was wanted by the Butler County Sheriff’s Office in Ohio in connection with the 2004 shooting death of 25-year-old Benjamin Becarra.

Authorities said that after the shooting, Riano fled to Mexico to avoid prosecution.

He was on the Butler County Sheriff's Office "Most Wanted" list. He was also profiled on the television show America’s Most Wanted in 2005.

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After his arrest, Riano was flown to Ohio where he is currently being held in the Butler County Jail.

According to WKRC, the shooting occurred on Dec. 19, 2004, outside the Roundhouse Bar in Hamilton after Becarra and Riano got into an argument. Police have alleged there is video footage of the shooting as well as video of Riano buying ammunition hours earlier at a Walmart, per WKRC.

Authorities allege investigators also found the gun used in the killing at Riano’s home, per FOX 19.

“This type of apprehension would not be possible without the cooperation and due diligence of both the Prosecutor’s Office investigators, the United States Marshal Service, and the United States Department of Justice,” Butler County Prosecutor Michael T. Gmoser said in a press release.

Riano is facing a murder charge.

It is unclear if Riano has entered a plea or retained an attorney.

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