How Did Authorities Track Down Donald Michael Santini After So Many Years?

Tracking down Donald Michael Santini, the suspect in a 1984 murder case, after almost four decades took meticulous effort and international cooperation from law enforcement agencies. The process leading to his capture included:

• Authorities had quickly identified Santini in relation to the murder of Cynthia Ruth Wood, however, by the time a warrant was issued for his arrest, he managed to evade capture.
• During his time on the run, Santini assumed multiple aliases, reportedly using at least 13 of them. Under one of these aliases, Wellman Simmonds, he led a seemingly regular life serving as the president of a local water board in Campo, a suburb of San Diego, California.
• The case had been featured multiple times on the television series "America's Most Wanted", which solicits public help in finding suspected criminals.
• Law enforcement agencies sent Collateral Lead Investigation Requests not only in the United States, specifically to Districts in Texas and California, but these appeals also reached international entities as far as Thailand.
• Despite the wide dragnet, Santini successfully evaded capture for roughly 39 years, until a tip from the Florida/Caribbean Regional Fugitive Task Force led U.S. Marshals to his location, resulting in his arrest.

Sheriff Chad Chronister lauded the tireless work, resources, and expertise utilized in bringing closure to Cynthia Wood's case and ensuring justice is served.

[1] Donald Santini: Suspect in 1984 murder captured after 39 ...

[2] Donald Santini, suspect in 1984 killing of Cynthia Wood ...

[3] Murder Suspect Evaded Arrest for Nearly 40 Years Caught ...

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