San Bernardino County, Calif. – The San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Office announces recent developments in the prosecution of Woravit Mektrakarn, charged with PC 187(a) – Murder, in connection with the disappearance and presumed death of one of his employees nearly three decades ago.
The victim, Luis Garcia, who worked for Mektrakarn at his Ontario, CA noodle business, was last seen on November 23, 1996, when he was believed to have met Mektrakarn to receive a final payment in a financial agreement.
Luis Garcia was never seen again.
Mektrakarn fled the United States shortly after the crime and lived under a falsified identity between Burma and Cambodia for nearly 30 years. In April 2024, he was apprehended under an alias and in disguise by the Royal Thai Police in Bangkok at the request of the United States. The U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs and U.S. Embassy Bangkok worked with Thai authorities to secure his arrest and extradition. On January 16, 2026, Mektrakarn was extradited to the United States and escorted to San Bernardino by the U.S. Marshals Service.
“This case demonstrates our unwavering commitment to pursuing justice, no matter how much time has passed,” said District Attorney Jason Anderson. “It also stands as a testament to the extraordinary efforts and partnerships of law enforcement agencies across the globe, whose dedication made this outcome possible.”
On January 22, 2026, Mektrakarn was arraigned on the charge of murder and pleaded not guilty. The motion for bail was denied, with the court finding clear and convincing evidence that no conditions could reasonably protect the public or ensure the defendant’s appearance. A Pre-Preliminary Hearing is scheduled for February 17, 2026, at 8:30 AM in Department R15, Rancho Cucamonga Superior Courthouse.
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Case #FWV032054-1