Manhattan Prosecutors Pursue Extradition from Arizona of Suspect in Soho Hotel Murder

Edited by: TJVNews.com

Manhattan prosecutors have intensified efforts to secure the extradition of Raad Almansoori, the career criminal charged with the brutal slaying of Denisse Oleas-Arancibia, a 38-year-old Queens mother, at a Soho hotel, as was reported by the New York Post. Despite a two-month standoff with Arizona authorities, who have thus far resisted returning him to New York City, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg announced the indictment of Almansoori on murder and robbery charges related to the February 7th incident at the Soho 54 Hotel.

The indictment marks a crucial step forward in the pursuit of justice for Oleas-Arancibia, whose life was tragically cut short in a vicious attack, the report in the Post indicated. Found dead by a hotel maid with a bloody iron beside her, the case has stirred shock and grief throughout the city.

In a statement, District Attorney Bragg affirmed his commitment to holding Almansoori accountable for his alleged crimes, expressing sympathy for the victim’s family and loved ones as they navigate the painful aftermath of her loss. The report in the Post said that Bragg emphasized the unwavering dedication of his office’s prosecutors and investigators in building a robust case against the accused, vowing to prosecute him to the fullest extent of the law upon his return to New York.

The extradition process will entail a formal request to New York Governor Kathy Hochul for a warrant compelling Almansoori’s return from Maricopa County in Arizona. As per the information in the Post report, despite resistance from Arizona authorities, Manhattan prosecutors remain resolute in their pursuit of justice, determined to bring closure to the victim’s family and ensure accountability for the alleged perpetrator.

Under New York and Arizona law, the issuance of an extradition warrant is expected to act as a detainer, ensuring Almansoori’s continued custody until he faces trial in New York. As was noted in thePost report, regardless of the outcome of his ongoing legal proceedings in Arizona, Almansoori will be held accountable for the murder charges he faces in Manhattan.

Almansoori’s arrest in Scottsdale on charges of attempted murder, assault, and kidnapping following an alleged carjacking and attack at a local McDonald’s has complicated efforts to bring him to trial in New York, according to the Post report.

The arrest in Arizona occurred approximately 10 days after the fatal beating and strangulation of Oleas-Arancibia, during which Almansoori was captured on surveillance footage leaving the scene while wearing the victim’s clothing, as was pointed out in the Post report.  This damning evidence has intensified efforts by Bragg to secure Almansoori’s return to New York to face murder charges.

However, the extradition process has encountered significant obstacles, exacerbated by a political dispute between Bragg and Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell. The Post reported that Mitchell expressed doubts about Bragg’s ability to ensure Almansoori remains in custody if extradited to New York, sparking a contentious exchange between the two prosecutors.

While Mitchell initially indicated a willingness to consider extradition once Almansoori’s pending cases in Arizona concluded, Bragg pressed for his immediate return to Manhattan to face the more severe charge of murder, as was explained in the Post report. The ensuing dispute between the Democratic DA and the Republican county attorney has escalated, with Bragg accusing Mitchell of engaging in political grandstanding and undermining the pursuit of justice.

Amidst the political wrangling, the focus remains on ensuring accountability for the heinous crime committed against Denisse Oleas-Arancibia and providing closure for her grieving loved ones. Regardless of the outcome, the pursuit of justice will continue, driven by the unwavering commitment of prosecutors to uphold the rule of law and safeguard the rights of victims.

Addressing reporters at a press conference on February 22nd, Bragg expressed profound concern over the politicization of the murder case, emphasizing the paramount importance of centering discussions on the victims and their families, according to the Post. He decried the diversion of attention from the tragic loss suffered by Oleas-Arancibia’s loved ones, calling for a renewed focus on justice and accountability in Manhattan.

The shocking details of Almansoori’s alleged confession have cast a grim light on the circumstances surrounding Oleas-Arancibia’s death. According to local prosecutors in Arizona, Almansoori recounted the events leading up to the murder, describing how the victim “just wouldn’t die” during the fatal altercation, as was emphasized in the Post report.

Authorities revealed that Oleas-Arancibia, who worked as an escort, had arranged a meeting with her suspected killer. However, a dispute arose between them over the duration of time Almansoori had paid for, escalating into a violent confrontation, the Post explained. Prosecutors allege that Almansoori strangled Oleas-Arancibia, attempting to break her neck and stomped on her head multiple times in a brutal assault.

In a disturbing turn of events, Almansoori purportedly resorted to suffocation in a bid to end Oleas-Arancibia’s life, placing a sock over her head. The report in the Post said that the grisly nature of the crime has elicited shock and outrage, further underscoring the urgency of securing justice for the victim and holding the perpetrator accountable for his actions.