A fugitive wanted for a June 2010 murder in Palmdale was captured Wednesday after an America’s Most Wanted tipster led investigators to her whereabouts in Belize, according to the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office.
Larene Eleanor Austin, 29, was arrested without incident and returned to the United States, via Houston, Thursday. Austin is accused of killing Lanell Barsock, 29, on June 16, 2010. Barsock’s body was found in the garage of her home in the 37400 block of Rockie Lane in Palmdale; she had a bag over her head, according to Los Angeles County coroner’s office.
According to America’s Most Wanted, Austin and Barsock became friends after meeting in the personal ads section of Craiglist, and the friendship evolved into a romantic relationship.
When Barsock dumped Austin to focus on her boyfriend, Austin shot Barsock in the back of the head and then tried to cover her tracks by framing Barsock’s boyfriend, according to America’s Most Wanted.
Investigators say Austin was the one who reported the murder and became the primary suspect shortly thereafter.
When a warrant was issued for Austin’s arrest, she fled the state.
In December 2011, the case was publicized on America’s Most Wanted and then sheriff’s detectives received a tip after the program aired, indicting that Austin was living in the Central American country of Belize.
Sheriff’s detectives determined the tip was credible and shared it with members of the FBI’s Fugitive Task Force in Los Angeles.
Officers with the Belize Police Department working with FBI agents in Central America arrested Austin Wednesday in the Toledo District of Belize without incident.
Thursday Austin was expelled from Belize and was flown to Houston. Austin is expected to make an initial appearance in Superior Court in Houston, and is expected to be transferred to Los Angeles in the near future.
Rhea says
On my way to tje 2nd court day for Austin in Lancaster today. I pray they will convict her.
kay says
WOW, i could have very well been the next victim. I was dating her at the same time and she drove the victim’s car to my home a month prior to the murder..I’m soooo lucky….. Justice should prevail !!!!
Starr says
“Kay”, you were dating Austin ?
Rhea says
What the hell!!!… Wow!!
Rhea says
LaNell was my favorite cousin. My family and I are so thankful Larene was captured. RIP LaNell, I love and miss you so much!!
Shirley says
oh wow! so glad they caught her the victim lived two houses away from me.
S. Parker says
What a monster!