LAS VEGAS (FOX5) — A judge approved prosecutors’ request to amend the indictment against Erick Rangel-Ibarra in the murder case involving Lesly Palacio, adding an alternative first-degree murder theory.
In its motion, the state asked for permission to file an amended indictment alleging felony murder—arguing the killing was committed during the perpetration or attempted perpetration of a sexual assault.
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Prosecutors wrote they are not alleging an additional or different offense, and said the “only question” for the court was whether Rangel-Ibarra’s substantial rights would be prejudiced, which the state argued they would not.
The defense opposed the change, arguing the felony-murder sexual-assault theory was not properly presented to the grand jury when it returned the original indictment.
Rangel-Ibarra was arrested in Mexico in July 2024, nearly four years after the alleged murder. He was extradited to Las Vegas about a year later.
Palacio was first reported missing by her family on Aug. 29, 2020. Las Vegas police soon said they believed foul play was involved. On Sept. 9, 2020, officers with LVMPD, Moapa Tribal Police, and Red Rock Search & Rescue would find her body near Valley of Fire State Park.
Erick Rangel-Ibarra was identified as a suspect after surveillance video showed Palacio and Rangel-Ibarra together at the Longhorn Casino.
In 2021, Rangel-Ibarra’s father, Jose Rangel, was sentenced to two years in prison after admitting he helped move Palacio’s body from his Las Vegas home and helped his son flee to Mexico. He served eight months.
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