FORT SMITH, Ark. — Two men have been arrested in Fresno, California in connection to a Fort Smith murder case dating back to 2004.
The FBI informed the Fort Smith Police Department that Brothers Kenny and Keimty Xayakesone were arrested Wednesday (Sept. 2) in connection to the cold case.
Back in 2004, 18-year-old Adelio Romero was killed in a drive-by shooting on Wilma Avenue in Fort Smith.
Four suspects were identified by police in connection with the murder, but Kenny and Keimty escaped arrest and were on the run for 16 years before Fresno Police caught up with them in California
They both had active warrants for first-degree murder in the shooting death of Romero and had been on the run for 16 years.
The murder happened on July 4, 2004. After learning they were wanted as suspects in the murder, they fled the area and were featured on America's Most Wanted.
“We had two arrests made already, so we’re working with the prosecutor's office to locate the witnesses and work on the case,” said FSPD Deputy Chief Jason Thompson.
Authorities are now working to bring them back to the River Valley to stand trial.