Fugitive Convicted of Vehicular Homicide Arrested in Mexico

Scranton, PA – A Long Pond man convicted of a 2014 vehicular homicide, but who fled to avoid a trial, was arrested Wednesday in Durango, Mexico, by Mexican authorities, with the assistance of the U.S. Marshals Service Middle District of Pennsylvania Fugitive Task Force and the Monroe County Sheriff's Office.

Kirk Randler was extradited today to Houston, Texas, and will be brought back to Monroe County.

On June 20, 2014, a motor vehicle accident occurred on Route 611 in Mount Pocono that left one person deceased and five others severely injured. A vehicle driven by Randler illegally passed one vehicle and eventually lost control, making head-on contact with another vehicle in the southbound lane as Randler was traveling northbound. The impact ejected four individuals from Randler's vehicle, including Randler's girlfriend, Katrina Strausser, of Reeders. Strausser was transported to the Geisinger Medical Center where she later succumbed to her injuries.

On August 5, 2014, Randler was charged with homicide by vehicle and several related offences. Subsequently, after posting a secured bond for his release, Randler failed to appear for his trial in March of 2016. A bench warrant was issued for Randler's arrest and the U.S. Marshals Service fugitive task force was asked to assist in the location and apprehension of Randler.

Randler was tried and found guilty in absentia and on September 13, 2016, Judge Stephen M. Higgins of Monroe County sentenced Randler to 11 ½ to 23 years in state prison. Additional details from this case can be found here.

Wednesday, with information received by the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office and provided to the Marshals task force, Randler was located and arrested by Mexican authorities in Durango. 

“The Marshals Service and its fugitive task force have the responsibility to ensure that those who flee are brought to justice,” said U.S. Marshal for the Middle District of Martin J. Pane. “Working with our local and international partners we have ensured just that. It is my sincere hope that this apprehension brings some measure of comfort to the victim’s and their families."