A prominent prosecutor in Arizona has declared her intention to withhold extradition of a suspect sought by New York City authorities in connection with the brutal murder of a sex worker.
Maricopa County Attorney General Rachel Mitchell expressed concerns about Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg’s history in handling cases involving violent offenders.
Speaking at a press briefing on Wednesday, Mitchell asserted her decision to retain custody of 26-year-old Raad Almansoori, stating that it is preferable for public safety to detain him in Arizona rather than risk his potential release under Bragg’s jurisdiction.
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In a press conference alongside heads of Arizona law enforcement agencies, Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell stated that she has directed her legal team not to consent to any requests for the extradition of Almansoori.
Murder Charges Pending for Almansoori in NY Extradition
Raad Almansoori, aged 26, is anticipated to face murder charges and is highly likely to be detained without the option for bail if extradited to New York.
According to Tuttle, the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office is currently deliberating on the appropriate steps to take in Almansoori’s case, considering Mitchell’s position.
Following his arrest for two separate incidents involving the non-fatal stabbing of women in Arizona, Almansoori reportedly confessed to the murder of Denisse Oleas-Arancibia, who was discovered strangled and struck in the head with an iron inside a hotel on Watts St. near Sixth Ave. on Feb. 8.
NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny stated on Tuesday that Almansoori encouraged Arizona law enforcement officers to search for the SoHo 54 Hotel online to find out more about his actions.
Although NYPD detectives had identified Almansoori as a suspect with the assistance of a Burger King receipt discovered in a pair of bloodstained men’s pants in the hotel room, the suspect had already traveled to Arizona, where he allegedly assaulted women in Phoenix and Surprise.
Bragg’s Prosecutors Criticized for Bail Leniency
Bragg’s prosecutors have faced criticism from certain quarters for purportedly exhibiting leniency in seeking bail and incarceration for individuals accused of violent crimes.
In a recent incident, a criminal court judge released four migrants, charged by Bragg’s office in the assault of an NYPD lieutenant and officer outside a Times Square shelter, without bail, which drew ire from police unions.
Bragg, in the preceding week, endeavored to secure detention without bail for three out of seven suspects during their arraignments at Manhattan Supreme Court — succeeding with two — while seeking bail for the others.
Almansoori is confronting allegations including attempted murder, aggravated assault, and theft in relation to the stabbing incident in Surprise, alongside charges of robbery, assault, theft, and criminal damage stemming from the attack in Phoenix.
According to Mitchell, he is presently detained without the option for bond.
Mitchell emphasized that Almansoori’s continued detention is not intended as a reflection on the NYPD.