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Man Suspected In Lancaster Sword Slaying Arrested After Years On The Lam

LANCASTER (CBSLA.com) — Authorities Saturday said a wanted fugitive has been arrested on suspicion of murder after five years on the lam.

The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department said in a statement that Jesus "Chuey" Canales was detained by Mexican authorities on Thursday.

Authorities said Canales -- a Lancaster resident -- had been wanted for years in connection with the murder of Lucy Preciado, described as his girlfriend.

Canales allegedly used a sword to kill Preciado in front of her young children on July 12, 2008.

The crime received widespread coverage on "America's Most Wanted," according to authorities.

After being detained, Canales was flown back to Los Angeles and placed under arrest.

He is expected to be arraigned on Monday in the Antelope Valley.

On Saturday, CBS2 played part of the 911 call where one of Preciado's young children -- Marina, then 9 -- reached out for help after allegedly witnessing Canales murder her mother.

Reporter Melanie Woodrow spoke to Sgt. Kevin Lloyd of the Homicide Bureau.

"Having to interview the children after the crime was one of the hardest things me and my partner have ever done," said Lloyd.

Even though the interviews took place more than five years ago, they still haunt him.

"It still gives me chills and it's extremely emotional," said Lloyd.

Detectives recently got a break in the case and found out Lloyd was living in a small village in Mexico. He was also living with a woman who has small children, Woodrow reports.

"We've traveled to many states and looked for him in a few countries," says Lloyd, "and to be able to call Marina, who is now 15-years-old, and tell her he's arrested, we're extremely happy."

Anyone with more information about this case was asked to contact Lloyd or Detective Jeff Leslie of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department Homicide Bureau at (323) 890-5500.

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