A multi-state homicide investigation by Detective Rector, Detective Edwards, and Detective Russell from the Indiana State Police Lafayette Post has led to the arrest of Miguel Ibarguren, 44, Miami, Florida.
On March 8, 2022, just after 12:00 p.m., crews cleaning Interstate 65 called 9-1-1 after locating an unresponsive male near Interstate 65 at the 187.5-mile marker. This location is about half of a mile south of State Road 18. Brookston-Chalmers First Responders and Monticello Fire Department responded to the area and located a male in the ditch on the east side of the interstate.
The male was pronounced deceased at the scene by the White County Coroner. Indiana State Police Detectives and CSI's responded to the scene to investigate.
On March 10, 2022, the White County Coroner conducted an autopsy and positively identified the male to be Aristide Garcia, 63, Los Angeles, CA. The White County Coroner ruled the manner of death to be a homicide. Garcia’s next of kin has been notified.
After the White County Coroner identified Garcia, Detectives discovered that Garcia was reported missing by his employer in Cedar Rapids, IA, after the semi-truck Garcia was driving was located.
During the investigation, Detectives worked diligently to develop probable cause to arrest Ibarguren. It is believed that Ibarguren was Garcia’s co-driver for a national trucking company. On March 13, 2022, a White County Judge issued a warrant for Ibarguren’s arrest.
Using various investigative techniques, detectives were able to locate Ibarguren in Arlington, TX on March 15, 2022. Ibarguren was safely taken into custody with the assistance of the Arlington Police Department and the Texas Department of Public Safety. Ibarguren is currently being held in jail in Arlington, TX, and awaits extradition.
Arrested and Preliminary Charges:
Miguel Ibarguren, 44, Los Angeles, CA
- Murder – Class X Felony
Indiana State Police Detectives were assisted by troopers from the Lafayette Post, Indiana State Police CSI, White County Coroner, Cedar Rapids Police Department, Arlington Police Department, Texas DPS, Fort Worth Police Department, and Pontiac Illinois Police Department, Brookston-Chalmers First Responders, Monticello Fire Department, and INDOT.
*All charges listed are merely accusations at this point. All criminal defendants are to be presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
There is no further information to release at this time.
Photo of Miguel Ibarguren provided by Arlington Police Department