# Investigation into Carlos Antonio Mendo Castillo murder

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/investigation-into-carlos-antonio-mendo-castillo-murder
> Updated: 2026-09-04T09:20:01.000Z. Sources: 3. Developments: 2.

The investigation into the murder of plastic surgeon Carlos Antonio Mendo Castillo has faced significant judicial delays. José Miguel Espí González, the primary suspect who allegedly confessed to orchestrating the February 2025 killing for economic motives, was released from custody on August 24 following the expiration of a nine-month preventive detention period.

While the Prosecutor’s Office concluded its investigation in September 2025, the victim’s family has criticized the Lima East Superior Court of Justice for stalling legal proceedings. Although a capture order remains active, authorities have not located Espí González since his release, prompting concerns that he may flee the country.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-04: Peru: Murder suspect released after preventive detention expires

Suspect José Miguel Espí González has been released from preventive detention in Peru after a nine-month term, despite an active capture order following the confessed murder of surgeon Carlos Antonio Mendo.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/peru-murder-suspect-released-after-preventive-detention-expires

### 2026-08-08: Henry Chauca Conde captured after 21 years as a fugitive

Peruvian authorities captured Henry Chauca Conde in Santa Clara after 21 years as a fugitive. He was sentenced to 16 years for the 2005 homicide, kidnapping, and sexual assault of a student in Arequipa.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/henry-chauca-conde-captured-after-21-years-as-a-fugitive

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Cite as: Investigation into Carlos Antonio Mendo Castillo murder. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/investigation-into-carlos-antonio-mendo-castillo-murder