On October 8th, a White County jury found Miguel Ibarguren, 44, of Miami, Florida, guilty of the murder of Aristide Garcia, 63, of Los Angeles, California. This conviction is the result of an extensive multi-state investigation conducted by Indiana State Police Detectives, whose persistence and dedication were crucial in solving this case. The detectives worked tirelessly with local, state, and federal agencies to gather evidence and build a case that spanned several jurisdictions.
The White County Prosecutor’s Office played a vital role in presenting a strong case that led to Ibarguren’s conviction. Their thorough examination of the facts, effective coordination with law enforcement, and commitment to justice were instrumental in securing the guilty verdict.
The Indiana State Police would like to extend its gratitude to all law enforcement agencies and personnel involved in this investigation, whose hard work and collaboration were key to bringing the case to a successful conclusion.
Sentencing is scheduled for next month, and further details will be provided at that time.
**Please see the original press release below.**
Suspect in Custody After Multi-State Homicide Investigation
White County – 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