Man wanted in hairstylist slaying is arrested in Mexico

The man police believe fatally gunned down a Glendale hair stylist in broad daylight last year has been arrested in Mexico, according to the Salt Lake Police Department and U.S. Marshals.

Miguel Mateos-Martinez, 19, was arrested near a residence where he was staying outside Ensenada, Mexico. He currently is being held in a prison in Mexico City.

Salt Lake police plan to hold a press conference today to discuss the situation.

Police believe Mateos-Martinez barged into a styling salon called The Shop at 1331 W. California Ave. (1330 South) about 4:30 p.m. on Aug. 20, 2007, and demanded money from salon owner, Faviola Hernandez, who was cutting a customer's hair at the time.

Despite the fact that Hernandez cooperated with Mateos-Martinez' demands, he shot her in the chest, rupturing her aorta and pulmonary artery, according to police.

Mateos fled and police launched an enormous man hunt that included the U.S. Marshals putting Mateos-Martinez on their "15 Most Wanted List." A warrant of $1 million was issued for his arrest on a charge of aggravated murder, which can carry the death penalty if he is convicted.

Another man, Jesus Jimenez, 22, was convicted of murder and aggravated robbery, both first-degree felonies, in the case. Jimenez claims he was the getaway driver. He is set to be sentenced Sept. 18.

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E-mail: lindat@desnews.com