A man considered Rhode Island’s “Most Wanted” fugitive was captured in Guatemala more than eight years after he allegedly murdered a 22-year-old man and fled the U.S., according to authorities.
John E. Nunez had been on the run since July 1, 2017, when authorities said he killed 22-year-old Devin Burney. He had been sought by the Providence Police Department since Burney’s death.
Nunez, now 36, was accused of fatally shooting Burney — then 22 — while he was heading to his car after a visit to a local Providence lounge with a group of friends, according to police, The Providence Journal reported. Investigators initially suspected someone shot Burney from the inside of a nearby car.
Following Burney’s death, Nunez allegedly obtained fake identification documents, left the U.S. and ended up in Guatemala, where he has been living under a false name, according to the U.S. Marshals Service.
Nunez was arrested in Guatemala on Tuesday, March 24, the U.S. Marshals Service announced in a Wednesday, March 25, news release.
It was not immediately clear whether Nunez had an attorney who could comment on his behalf.
More than a year ago, authorities learned that Nunez was potentially living in Guatemala before ultimately confirming his whereabouts. His specific location within the country was not specified by law enforcement.
“This arrest is the result of years of relentless work and unwavering commitment by our detectives and law enforcement partners,” Providence Police Chief Oscar Perez said in a statement. “For more than eight years, our investigators never lost focus on seeking justice for Devin Burney and his loved ones. Today’s arrest demonstrates that no matter how much time passes or how far someone tries to flee, we will continue to pursue the truth and hold those responsible accountable.”
Burney was born in Providence and later moved to Shirley, New York, on Long Island, where he attended William Floyd High School and was known as a star basketball player, according to his online obituary.
Following high school, Burney returned to Providence to attend college at Johnson & Wales University, his obituary says. There, he was studying business management.
“Devin was an amazing young man and athletic scholar,” Burney’s obituary states, in part. “Devin had aspirations of being an entrepreneur in sports management, his true passion.”
“Devin will be greatly missed and treasured always by all who knew him,” his obituary concludes. “His infectious smile and sense of humor will live in our hearts forever”
Nunez is in custody in Guatemala, where he is awaiting extradition to the U.S., according to the U.S. Marshals Service.
He is due to face criminal charges in connection with Burney’s death in Rhode Island, authorities said.
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