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Ivan Gustavo Hernandez-Cabral: Suspect in 2019 ambush that killed 9 US citizens arrested in New Mexico

Hernandez-Cabral faces charges for his involvement in the November 4, 2019 ambush that claimed the lives of three women and six children in Mexico

ALBUQUERQUE, NEW MEXICO: A man wanted in connection with an ambush in Mexico that killed nine American citizens has been arrested, the US Marshals Service confirmed on Thursday, September 7.

Ivan Gustavo Hernandez-Cabral, 24, was taken into custody in Albuquerque, New Mexico on Monday after authorities received a tip about his whereabouts, they said in a press release.

Hernandez-Cabral, who is currently being held pending extradition to Mexico, faces charges for his involvement in the November 4, 2019 ambush that claimed the lives of three women and six children on a road in Sonora, the US Marshals Service added.

What did the authorities say about Ivan Gustavo Hernandez-Cabral?

“This arrest represents our relentless and unwavering dedication, along with our partners, in tracking down and apprehending violent foreign fugitives,” said Sonya K Chavez, US Marshal for the District of New Mexico in a release. “Don’t come to the State of New Mexico and attempt to hide, we will find you and ensure justice is served."

Did anyone survive the attack?

According to CBS News, authorities said that cartel gunmen shot at three vehicles carrying women and children with dual nationalities residing in the region. The outlet added that five children fortunately, managed to survive the attack. Some of the victims in the group, who were Mormons on their way to a wedding, were killed and burned alive, authorities added. 

Why were the victims targeted?

It is being reported that the family was basically just at the wrong place at the wrong time which ultimately cost their lives. They allegedly entered an area where a shootout had occurred among rival cartel groups that same day and were accidentally targeted by one of them. 

WhatsApp voice messages disclosed the harrowing moments after the ambush, the outlet added. "Dawna and Christina are gone. They are not — they are dead," a woman said, per CBS News. "They opened fire... killed Dawna and the baby. And another one... and Dawna's yelling at the kids to get down," a man said in another message, per the outlet.

How did a 13-year-old boy save the lives of his siblings?

After the fatal shootings of his mother and his two brothers, Devin Langford, 13, managed to hide his siblings in bushes before walking 14 miles to seek help. His 9-year-old sister, McKenzie, was injured in the arm and wandered for four hours in the dark before eventually finding rescuers. 

Mexican prosecutors said about 20 suspects in the case were arrested by February last year with more warrants remaining, according to the Associated Press. Hernandez-Cabral also faces a charge of entering the country illegally and is waiting on a federal court hearing in Albuquerque, according to the Marshals Service.

The accused was also arrested in July when he crossed the border illegally near Columbus, New Mexico