Dec 28, 2023

Murder: Suspect arrested in disappearance of SW Kan. man

Posted Dec 28, 2023 12:05 AM
Corrales photo Finney Co.
Corrales photo Finney Co.

FINNEY COUNTY – The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) and the Finney County Sheriff’s Office arrested a man connected to the murder of 35-year-old Alexander “AJ” Perez, of Ulysses, according to a media release from the agency.

Family members reported AJ Perez missing to the Ulysses Police Department on Dec. 14, 2020.

On Jan. 12, 2021, the Grant County Sheriff’s Office requested KBI assistance after foul play was suspected in his disappearance. Authorities believe Perez was killed on or around Dec. 6, 2020, in Finney County.

On Wednesday, Dec. 27, at around 1:45 p.m., Oscar Corrales 44, of Garden City, was arrested on a warrant for second-degree murder connected to the death of AJ Perez.

He was also arrested for racketeering, possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, possession of drug paraphernalia, and theft. The additional charges were based on an investigation by the Garden City Police Department and the Finney County Sheriff’s Office.

Corrales was arrested at the Finney County Jail where he was being held on unrelated charges. All suspects are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

The Finney County Attorney’s Office is expected to prosecute the case. The investigation is ongoing. Nothing further can be released at this time.