Relentless Grandmother Continues Manhunt for Daughter’s Killer
In a dramatic turn of events, Josephine Wentzel continues her relentless manhunt for her daughter’s killer. Her search, spanning six years, led her to track down Raymond McLeod, a fugitive wanted for the murder of her daughter, Krystal Mitchell. On August 26, 2022, Wentzel received a message that reportedly contained a recent photograph of McLeod, who was on the U.S. Marshals Service’s wanted list.
The Capture of Raymond McLeod
Just days after Wentzel received the tip, McLeod was apprehended in Sonsonate, El Salvador. He is currently facing charges of first-degree murder in San Diego for the June 2016 strangulation of Mitchell. McLeod, 42, a former U.S. Marine, has pleaded not guilty. His defense claims he accidentally killed Mitchell during “rough, consensual sex gone wrong.”
The Events Leading Up to the Murder
- Date of Murder: June 10, 2016
- Victim: Krystal Mitchell, age 30
- Location: San Diego, California
Mitchell was found dead shortly after a violent incident at a San Diego bar where McLeod had been seen. The San Diego County District Attorney’s Office noted that her death resulted from strangulation, with injuries likened to being struck by a baseball bat. Details in court filings indicate McLeod had a history of domestic violence allegations prior to Mitchell’s murder.
Josephine Wentzel’s Ongoing Fight for Justice
Josephine Wentzel, a 67-year-old grandmother and former police detective, transformed her tragedy into a mission. After losing her daughter, she sought to aid other parents enduring similar grief. She authored two books, “The Chase” and “The Capture,” detailing her investigation into her daughter’s murder.
Founding Angels of Justice
Through her nonprofit organization, Angels of Justice, Wentzel champions unsolved murder cases and advocates for the federal government to address the backlog of unresolved homicides as a national emergency. Her efforts have been recognized by various organizations, including the Cold Case Foundation, which has collaborated with Wentzel on multiple cases.
A Community of Support
Wentzel’s perseverance has inspired many, including families of other homicide victims. For instance, Pat Kuiper, a mother seeking justice for her son’s murder, credits Wentzel with reigniting interest in her son’s cold case. Rachel Glass, who lost her daughter to strangulation, found comfort and guidance in Wentzel’s insight into the investigative process.
Challenges in the Search for McLeod
The search for McLeod was fraught with obstacles. Wentzel became a tireless advocate, utilizing social media to gather tips. She created a “wanted” poster, strategically disseminating it across various platforms to reach potential witnesses. This included focusing on places like Belize and later on Central America, where sightings of McLeod were reported.
- Started tracking: 2016
- Tips received: Countless, with varying levels of reliability
A Turning Point in the Manhunt
In the spring of 2021, the reward for information leading to McLeod’s capture rose to $50,000. Eventually, a tip linked to sightings of McLeod near the Salvadoran border led to his apprehension.
Confronting the Aftermath
As McLeod awaits trial, Wentzel reflects on her transformation. The horror of her daughter’s murder motivated her to become an advocate for justice, despite the emotional toll. “Murder does this to you — it makes you somebody you’re not, if you allow it,” Wentzel shared. She continues to focus on raising her daughter’s children and helping others while navigating her own grief.
Josephine Wentzel’s relentless pursuit of justice for her daughter showcases her unyielding spirit. Her journey emphasizes the importance of community support in the face of violence and the power of hope in the darkest times.
