FCSO: Murder suspect in custody after 11 years

*Editor’s note: The print version of this story, on page 1 of the Nov. 15 issue, featured the incorrect mugshot. The correct mugshot should be of Vincente Soto, pictured here. The Franklin County Times regrets the error and is happy to set the record straight. 

Eleven years ago Dionicio Bahena was shot multiple times outside of Greg’s Trailer Park on Franklin County Road 48. He died later that day.

The suspect was Vincente Soto, who fled to Mexico after the incident occurred.

Nov. 9 the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office took Soto into custody at the Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport, after he was extradited from Mexico.

“He fought the extradition for a while, but eventually it was granted,” an investigator said.

According to FCSO investigators, the original fight allegedly occurred because of a conflict over Soto’s girlfriend.

“He accused Bahena of being with the girl, who was only 16 at the time,” according to the FCSO.

The extradition was a result of FBI, U.S. Marshals and U.S. Department of Justice cooperation with Mexican authorities, according to investigators.

Authorities said they found Soto working in a bakery outside of Mexico City.

FCSO investigators said he’s been on the most wanted list twice in the past 11 years.

District attorney Joey Rushing said Soto has already had his bond trial; bond was denied.

“He’s set for an arraignment Jan. 3, and he will be tried for capital murder,” Rushing said.

It has surely been a long 11 years for the Bahena family. Franklin County Sheriff Shannon Oliver said he is “thankful (Soto) is in custody so the victim’s family can get some type of closure.”