FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich. (WXYZ) — A cold case that has haunted the Farmington Hills community for 25 years may finally be headed toward resolution after the man accused of killing Gordon Machek was extradited from Guatemala and arraigned Friday.
Watch Ruta Ulcinaite's video report:
Edgardo Luis Perez, 44, faces a murder charge after allegedly killing Machek in 2001 and stealing his identity. Perez was arraigned Friday morning in Farmington Hills after being extradited from Guatemala earlier this week.
Watch the press conference announcing the arrest and details of the case below:
Perez was wanted in connection with the 2001 murder of 56-year-old Farmington Hills resident Gordon Machek, and has reportedly been on the run since the murder occurred.
Perez was formally charged with felony murder by the Oakland County Prosecutor's Office in 2003, with a warrant issued by the United States District Court, Eastern District of Michigan, charging Perez with unlawful flight to avoid prosecution.
Watch the arraignment in the video player below:
"This has been an active case for 25 years. We've had numerous groups of investigators who have received this case, worked this case, and retired only to pass it on to next generations of officers," said Farmington Hills Police Chief John Piggott. "This is something that's never left the minds of our investigators or our police department."
According to the FBI, Perez had initially befriended Machek at a health club and within a few weeks, had gained his trust and visited Machek's home.
It's alleged that the intent Perez had with befriending Machek was to steal his identity and money before fleeing the country, fearing he would be incarcerated for a prior probation violation.
"Our information is that Mr. Perez was fearful of being arrested on another charge related to a probation violation and that was the impetus between him wanting to attack Mr. [Machek], try to steal his identity, get resources and flee the country," Farmington Hills Police Department Chief John Piggott said.
Officials say the last known contact anyone had with Machek was on October 20, 2001, when Machek told his roommate he was going to spend the day with Perez.
The FBI says the day after Machek disappeared, Perez allegedly used his credit card to buy a one-way ticket to San Diego and to make purchases in Mexico.
Perez criminal history timeline:
2000 - faced one count of weapons possession or sale of a taser, two counts of assault and battery
2000 - faced one count obstruction of justice, one count of assault and battery and was on probation for both cases when this homicide is alleged to have been committed
2001 - face one count of impersonating a police officer, was arraigned and failed to appear after initial arraignment, pending out of 36th District Court
November 2001 - one count of financial transaction device, illegal use, pending in 47th District Court
October 2001 - set for probation violation, failed to appear and left the country
Perez was reported to be in possession of books with information on how to be a fugitive, how to do money transactions over the internet and how to change identity and create fake identifications and documents.
“Eddie Perez is the devil himself. He’s evil," Machek's close friend and former neighbor Sue Marci said.
Marci attended the press conference on Friday and said the victim was a great friend to the family and her son. She described Machek as giving, kind and a creative soul that always helped others. She said his partner, Jim Johnson, had a massive stroke about a year after Machek's disappearance.
"He killed their dream of retirement. When I went in the house that day to check, his retirement gifts were still on his desk. Some of them still not opened. The bags and ribbons with the presents. He never got to see his dream," said Marci.
Machek's cousin, Lita Luce of Grand Rapids, says the family can finally have some peace.
"I never really gave up hope. I never did that," she said. "He had plans and that was taken away from him. So yes, I hope [Perez] gets his just due."
Watch the extended interview with Lita Luce in the video player below:
Perez was arraigned Friday at 11 a.m. before Judge Marla Parker at the 47th District Court.
A not guilty plea was entered on his behalf, and the judge denied Perez bond.
His probable cause conference is scheduled for July 17 at 9 a.m.
