Arrest Made In Oakland County Cold Case Murder After 25 Years: Police

FARMINGTON HILLS, MI — A man who has eluded Farmington Hills police for more than two decades has finally been captured, according to police.

Edgardo Luis Perez, 44, was arrested in Guatemala on Wednesday in connection with the 2001 murder of 56-year-old Farmington Hills resident Gordon Maychek.

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He was extradited to the U.S. and has been charged with one count of felony murder, one count of first-degree murder, one count of second-degree murder and one count of manslaughter. He was placed in jail and denied bond. His next court date is scheduled for July 17.

Perez, who was born in Detroit, befriended Maychek at a health club and gained his trust within a few weeks, officials said.

On Oct. 20, 2001, officials said Maychek told his roommate that he was going to spend the day with Perez. Officials said it was the last time anyone heard from him. He was reported missing on Oct. 22.

Investigators determined Maychek was murdered in his Farmington Hills home, though they never found his body.

Investigators believe Perez befriended Machek with the intent of stealing his identification and money to flee the country. They believe Perez feared being sent to prison for a probation violation at the time.

Additionally, investigators said Perez had a collection of books in his possession on how to be a fugitive, how to do money transactions over the internet and how to change one’s identity.

Prosecutors initially charged Perez with felony murder in 2003 and the U.S. Attorney issued a warrant charging Perez with unlawful flight to avoid prosecution.

Officials said Perez was previously featured on the America’s Most Wanted television show.

"Gordon Machek was never forgotten. We are now able to move forward with charges against his alleged killer 25 years later. We would not be here without the dedication of law enforcement investigators and assistant prosecutors who remained committed to providing Gordon and his loved ones with a measure of justice," Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald said.