Okaloosa Sheriff Announces Capture of Murder Suspect in Mexico

In Brief:

🕵️‍♂️ Four-Year Investigation: Authorities tracked the suspect across international lines since the 2021 murder of Earnest Riggs Jr.
📞 Anonymous Tip: Information sent to Emerald Coast Crime Stoppers led law enforcement to Galvao-Sahb’s location in Mexico.
🇺🇸 Extradition Pending: The suspect is back in the U.S. and is currently awaiting extradition to Okaloosa County.

A man wanted in connection to a 2021 homicide near Fort Walton Beach is now in custody after a four-year manhunt.

JohnWilliam Galvao-Sahb, 23, was arrested in June 2025 in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, by members of the United States Marshals Service. He is currently awaiting extradition to Okaloosa County.

Galvao-Sahb had been the subject of active arrest warrants issued by the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office for First Degree Premeditated Murder in the shooting death of Earnest Riggs Jr., which occurred on March 17, 2021.

The U.S. Marshals Florida Regional Fugitive Task Force worked with the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office throughout the investigation. A recent anonymous tip submitted to Emerald Coast Crime Stoppers led investigators to Galvao-Sahb’s location in Mexico.

Galvao-Sahb had previously been featured on the national television program In Pursuit with John Walsh.

“This case is a powerful example of how anonymous tips can make a real difference,” said Emerald Coast Crime Stoppers Coordinator Nicole Hodskins. “Because someone chose to speak up, a dangerous fugitive wanted for murder is now in custody. We’re incredibly proud to be a bridge between the public and law enforcement in the pursuit of justice.”