Colorado Mara Salvatrucha Gang Member Voluntarily Returns To U.S. To Face Homicide Charges

Edwin Ernesto Rivera Gracias

Three other suspects were also convicted in connection with the homicide.

By H. Nelson Goodson

March 27, 2013

Denver, CO - On Wednesday, FBI Denver Acting Special Agent in Charge Steve Olson announced the return of FBI Ten Most Wanted Fugitive Edwin Ernesto Rivera Gracias to Denver, Colorado. Rivera Gracias, a member of the Mara Salvatrucha gang (MS-13) was sought for murder in Colorado. He fled to El Salvador to elude capture and a $100,000 reward was offered for information leading to his arrest.
Rivera Gracias, wanted in Jefferson County, Colorado, for the August 17, 2011 brutal beating and stabbing homicide of Richard Limon, 68, of Denver, a long-time family acquaintance of his girlfriend. Rivera Gracias told acquaintances that he killed Limon because he had molested his girlfriend who is the daughter of Limon's wife, but no relation to him.

Rivera Gracias attempted to suffocate Limon by wrapping duct tape around his head, but finally stabbed the victim nine times because he wouldn't die.

Rivera Gracias voluntarily returned to the United States to face charges, according to the FBI. In coordination with Salvadoran authorities and the FBI's San Salvador Legal Attaché Office, the United States sent an aircraft to transport Rivera Gracias to Denver where he was turned over to local authorities for processing.

Three other suspects were also convicted in connection with Limon's murder, Tina Moya, 38, her daughter Nena and Raul Nunez-Soto, 46. Moya was convicted of second-degree murder and is awaiting sentencing. Nunez-Soto was also convicted of second-degree murder and is serving a 40-year prison term. Nena Moya was convicted of accessory to commit murder and is serving a two-year prison term.