Springfield, IL (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – The man authorities believe is responsible for the 2023 death of local activist Emma Shafer — one that got the attention of current Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem against the family’s wishes — has been arrested in Mexico.
A coalition including Sangamon County State’s Attorney John Milhiser, Springfield Police, and the U.S. Marshals said Thursday Gabriel Calixto, 27, was arrested in that country. It’s not clear when or where the apprehension took place, nor what agency took Calixto into custody.
Calixto is accused of stabbing Shafer, 24, multiple times at a home near 8th and Clay Streets July 23, 2023
Shafer, according to a 2023 WTAX News story, was involved with the Faith Coalition for the Common Good, worked for the Illinois House of Representatives and Contact Ministries, and was an intern for Downtown Springfield, Inc., and U.S. Sen. Tammy Duckworth. She was well-known in the community.
In May of this year, when Noem visited Springfield and ended up several houses away from the crime scene, she used the death of Shafer as an example of why President Trump was being tough on illegal immigration. Noem, blaming Gov. JB Pritzker, said Shafer’s death could have been prevented, had Calixto not been in the country illegally. When Noem said she wanted to talk with Shafer’s family, she learned from reporters that the family was at a rally protesting Noem’s visit. Noem admitted she didn’t know that. Shafer’s family said later that Noem exploited the death of their daughter.
Milhiser’s office says they will work with federal authorities to make sure Calixto will be extradited back to Springfield. There is no word on when that might be, nor when there may be a court appearance. A 2023 warrant charges Calixto with First-Degree Murder, and Aggravated Domestic Battery.
“The Sangamon County State’s Attorney’s Office, Springfield Police Department, and U.S. Marshals Service thank and acknowledge the U.S. Department of Justice Office of International Affairs, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and the U.S. Attorney’s Offices for the Central and Southern Districts of Illinois for their assistance in this case,” said a county news release.
