Faked Death, Busted for Real

Steven Garcia allegedly beat up pregnant girlfriend at home.

An Albuquerque man charged with beating up his pregnant girlfriend, faking his own death and then skipping town has been caught in Mexico.

U.S. Marshals arrested Steven Garcia, 22, in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico this week.

Authorities said Garcia had been on the run for the past several months, but his stay in Puerto Vallarta ended abruptly this week.

Garcia had been on the lam from allegations he beat-up his pregnant girlfriend and choked her in September 2005.

According to police reports, Garcia's girlfriend was seven weeks pregnant. She told police she and Garcia got in an argument at his home about the baby, and Garcia punched her in the face, choked her and hit her head against the floor.

Garcia was arrested in August 2006 but bailed out after a few days. He then failed to show up court in October, according to officials.

Authorities alleged he faked his own suicide and left a note saying he would pay a homeless man to bury his body.

“We received some investigative information through interviews as well as well as other leads that we developed that he may be working in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico” Chief Deputy U.S. Marshal Carl Caulk said. “Subsequent investigation by U.S. Marshals Service personnel out of our Mexico City office determined that indeed he was in that area.”

Garcia is facing charges for kidnapping, aggravated battery and attempt to injure a pregnant woman.

He's currently in the Los Angeles County jail where he now faces extradition back to New Mexico.

Garcia could be back here in a matter of days, but if he chooses to fight extradition, it could take weeks.