U.S. Marshals arrest Geraldo Garcia‑Michel in 1997 Leslie Ruby hit‑and‑run case

U.S. Marshals arrested Geraldo Garcia‑Michel on Aug. 26, 2026, in Des Moines, Iowa, for the 1997 hit‑and‑run death of 64‑year‑old veteran Leslie Ruby.

The arrest ended a nearly three‑decade pursuit that began after Ruby was struck while crossing the street on his lawnmower on Sept. 29, 1997. The driver fled the scene, leaving the Korean War veteran dead and his family without answers.

Detective Sergeant Paul Parizek, who led the investigation, said the case gained renewed attention when a 1998 episode of America’s Most Wanted profiled the crime. Though the show initially failed to produce a lead, a viewer in New Jersey recognized Garcia‑Michel during a later rerun and alerted Crime Stoppers.

“I think they would be happy now,” Shonna Ruby, the victim’s granddaughter, said after learning of the arrest.

Following the tip, New Jersey authorities worked with Des Moines police for several weeks. Garcia‑Michel had altered his name and birth date over the years, which helped him avoid detection until the coordinated effort uncovered his location.

Parizek emphasized the significance of persistence, noting that “people don’t give up on you,” and highlighted the role of community vigilance and media in solving cold cases. The arrest brings closure to Ruby’s surviving relatives, who have endured the loss of his wife Patricia and daughter‑in‑law Shirley Brown in the intervening years.

U.S. Marshals transferred Garcia‑Michel to federal custody, where he now faces charges related to the fatal hit‑and‑run. Prosecutors have not yet announced a trial date, but the case serves as a reminder of the lasting impact of unsolved crimes on families and communities.

Police officials plan to continue outreach through social media and public service announcements, encouraging citizens to report any information that could assist in unresolved investigations.