A six-year manhunt has ended with the return of a man accused in the fatal shooting of 19-year-old Julian Tovar, who was killed in Grand Rapids in 2020. The suspect was arrested in Mexico last month and is now back in Kent County awaiting his first court appearance in the case.
According to MLive, Israel Cardosa, 26, was arrested July 8 in Monterrey, Mexico, and extradited to the United States. He is being held at the Kent County Correctional Facility and faces multiple charges, including open murder, while awaiting arraignment in Grand Rapids District Court.
Police Said Tovar Was Mistaken For A Gang Member
Tovar was driving home from work in July 2020 when he was shot near Cofton Street SW and Roy Avenue SW, according to a contemporaneous report from FOX 17. Investigators believed Cardosa and others mistook Tovar for a member of a rival gang, even though Tovar lived nearby and was not believed to be involved in the conflict.
Tovar remained hospitalized for months before dying from his injuries on December 16, 2020. His obituary described him as a hardworking young man who loved track, wrestling and cars, and who hoped to become a real-estate entrepreneur, according to MKD Funeral Homes.
Two Other Defendants Were Sentenced In 2022
The case has already resulted in prison sentences for two other defendants. Tegan Christopher Bush was sentenced to 23 to 50 years for second-degree murder and felony firearms, while Saul Ortega-Cristen received 10 to 30 years for assault with intent to murder, MLive reported.
Deputy Chief Mike Maycroft said the Grand Rapids Police Department remains committed to pursuing justice for victims, regardless of how much time has passed. Cardosa’s extradition moves the case into its next phase, but the charges remain allegations unless proven in court.
