Man extradited in killing of pregnant woman, unborn baby in Rock Hill
A man under an ICE hold who is charged with killing a pregnant woman and her unborn baby in Rock Hill has waived extradition from Charlotte and is in jail in South Carolina, according to court documents and officials.
Additionally, York County’s top prosecutor told The Herald his office will handle the cases against the suspect before federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials seek deportation or any type of action against him.
Pedro Mondragon-Ramirez, 41, faces murder, death in utero during a violent crime, and weapons charges in the stabbing of pregnant Leonor Alpizar, 37, Friday night at a mobile home park on Iris Circle. Rock Hill Police Lt. Michael Chavis said officers served the warrants at the Rock Hill jail Tuesday afternoon after Mondragon-Ramirez was extradited.
Mecklenburg County online court records show he was arrested Saturday following a police chase off Archdale Drive in Charlotte. He tried to elude police by driving over 60 mph in a vehicle belonging to the victim, according to a North Carolina court affidavit and police statements.
Mecklenburg County Sheriff officials who operate the jail confirmed to The Herald Monday ICE had a federal detainer on Mondragon-Ramirez. It is unclear what country Mondragon-Ramirez is from or how long he has been in the United States.
ICE arrests and federal deportations have been at forefront of American politics and news for weeks. There has been a spike in Charlotte arrests, according to activists, The Charlotte Observer reported.
Kevin Brackett, 16th Circuit Solicitor, said allegations of murder and the death of an unborn child demand any suspect face the charges in South Carolina court before deportation or any other federal immigration concern.
“These are very serious charges where the defendant will have to go through our court process,” Brackett said.
Brackett declined to talk about the facts of the case and reiterated all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
The murder and in utero death charges carry 30 years to life in prison for a conviction under South Carolina law.
Mondragon-Ramirez is expected to make his first South Carolina court appearance Wednesday, where the charges will be explained by a judge and he can ask for a public defender if he does not have an attorney.
