PHOENIX — Phoenix Police made an arrest in a cold case involving the death of a Valley teen exactly 20 years to the day she was killed.
Sergio Reyes, 37, is accused of killing 15-year-old Elena Lasswell in her home near 23rd Avenue and Thomas Road in July 2004.
Reyes was extradited from Mexico and booked into Maricopa County Jail, according to police.
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"It took a while, but through perseverance and hard work and dedication, we were able to get Sergio Reyes back to Phoenix to face charges," Phoenix Police Det. Dominick Roestenberg said.
VERSIÓN EN ESPAÑOL: Una adolescente del valle fue asesinada hace 20 años y finalmente se realizó un arresto
Steve Lasswell told 12News he was amazed to learn of this development in his daughter's case.
“After 20 years, to be truthful, I really wasn’t expecting any further progress on the case," Lasswell said. “Having him arrested would prevent him from doing any other things like that. That was the primary hope.”
Lasswell added the arrest brings a sense of closure to his family.
“We all continue to miss Elena and we think about what she might have been today," Lasswell stated.
He said he never lost hope in detectives and he's thankful they never gave up on his daughter.
“I’d really sincerely like to thank the Phoenix Police Department and everyone who was involved in this for hanging in there for this long and having success," he said.
Reyes is facing a first-degree murder charge, according to police.
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