TV Show Rerun Leads to Arrest in 1997 Iowa Hit-and-Run Case
A rerun of the TV show “America’s Most Wanted” prompted a tip that led to the arrest of Gerardo Garcia-Michel in New Jersey, nearly 30 years after he was identified as a suspect in a deadly hit-and-run in Des Moines,…
St. Louis, MO, September 30, 2026 —
A resurfacing of a decades-old case, spurred by a television program, has resulted in an arrest in New Jersey. Gerardo Garcia-Michel, identified as a suspect in a fatal hit-and-run incident in Des Moines, Iowa, was apprehended after a tip was generated from a rerun of the crime-focused television show “America’s Most Wanted”.
The original incident took place on September 29, 1997. The event resulted in the death of 64-year-old Leslie Ruby. At the time of the incident, Garcia-Michel was identified as the suspect. The case remained open for nearly 30 years until the recent tip provided by viewers of the television program. The program’s rerun reportedly featured the case, prompting an individual to contact authorities with information that ultimately led to Garcia-Michel’s arrest in New Jersey.
Details regarding the specific circumstances of the hit-and-run incident from September 29, 1997, are not elaborated upon in the provided information. Similarly, information pertaining to the victim, Leslie Ruby, beyond her age and name, was not detailed. The whereabouts and activities of Gerardo Garcia-Michel during the approximately 30-year period between the original incident and his arrest were also not specified. The contractor’s name was not provided. The fine amount was not provided. The cause of the incident was not provided. The permit status was not provided. The inspection outcomes were not provided. The code violations were not provided. Any ‘what happened next’ concerning the legal proceedings following the arrest in New Jersey was not provided.
The arrest represents a significant development in a cold case that began almost three decades ago in Des Moines, Iowa. The tip received by law enforcement following the airing of the rerun on “America’s Most Wanted” was instrumental in locating and apprehending Garcia-Michel in New Jersey.
Story summarized from the original created by KCRG Staff, Gray News staff on www.firstalert4.com, see more information here.
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