Aracely Palacio, mother of Lesly Palacio, speaks at a news conference during a fundraiser on East Lake Mead Boulevard Saturday, Oct. 10, 2020. Family members of of Lesly Palacio are trying to increase the reward money in an effort to find the people responsible for her murder.
Saturday, Oct. 10, 2020 | 10:23 p.m.
Lesly Palacio’s portrait and name marked banners, fliers, glass candles, T-shirts and face coverings at this event.
Crews washed cars to the blasting sound of Latino music, while attendees surrounded stands that sold nachos, bacon-wrapped Mexican hot dogs and sodas in the parking lot.
In Latin American communities, a “kermes” — or church festival — is used to raise funds for parishes. Saturday in east Las Vegas, it was a fundraiser to reward anyone who turns in the father-son due accused in Palacio’s disappearance and slaying.
Since Palacio vanished in late August, #JusticeforLeslyPalacio has become a rallying cry to find her alleged killer, Erick Michel Rangel-Ibarra, 25, and his father, 45-year-old Jose Rangel, who is accused of concealing the crime.
Palacio’s family, friends and supporters haven’t stopped looking.
“Your best friend, your sister, your cousin, even you. You could be the next victim, said Nayelli Palacio, Lesly’s sister. “Please, if you see them anywhere, Mexico, (California), Texas, Vegas, please call the police. This is not the time to be quiet.”
Six weeks ago, Lesly unknowingly left her house for the last time when she accepted an invite from Rangel-Ibarra to grab drinks near her house at a casino on Boulder Highway. Surveillance released by the establishment shows the pair eating, and leaving in the man’s white truck.
Palacio was reported missing the next day. A few days later, police announced its homicide investigation.
On Sept. 9, police and search crews found Palacio’s remains in the desert near Valley of Fire State Park, about 50 miles north of Las Vegas. The same day, Metro announced that Rangel-Ibarra was wanted on a murder count, and that his father was being sought for allegedly hiding the crime.
Officials haven’t disclosed how Palacio died, or why they were sure the men were responsible. Clark County Sheriff Joe Lombardo said last month that detectives were working with federal authorities, and probing the possibility that the men fled to Mexico, where they have family.
Police haven’t released additional details. Las Vegas Justice Court records Saturday showed the warrants remained active.
“I need to find these murderers, wherever they are.” said Aracely Palacio, Lesly’s mother, crying and shaking her hand, which held a flier with the suspects’ photos.
Lesly has been described as a warm person who was easy to befriend. She was helping her mother start a cleaning business, and was a mother-figure to her four sisters. She was their confidante, who also loved cooking for them.
Since the slaying, the Palacios and supporters, have been actively pleading with the community for help. They have marched at the casino Lesly was last seen and held a driving caravan down the Las Vegas Strip.
A social media campaign has led Mexican media to report on Lesly’s death. The Rangels are known to have family in the Mexican states of Queretaro, Durango and Coahuila.
“You can’t live all your life in one place, hiding. So, it could take one year, two years, five years, we’re not going to stop this,” said Lesly’s cousin Geovanna Diaz, directing the message to the suspects. “If you’re seeing this, just come out.”
Anyone with information regarding their whereabouts should contact Metro at 702-828-3111. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 702-385-5555 or online at crimestoppersofnv.com.
