It has been nearly 25 years, but a fugitive wanted for allegedly killing a Farmington Hills man in 2001 has been arraigned on a felony murder charge.
Edgardo Luis Perez, 44, was arrested in Guatemala with the help of the FBI earlier this month. During his arraignment in 47th District Court Friday morning, a not guilty plea was entered on Perez’s behalf and bond was denied.
Investigators say Perez was 19 when he befriended Gordon Machek, 56, at a local health club, and was invited to Machek's home.
On October 20, 2001, Machek told his roommate he planned to spend the day with Perez. That was the last time Machek was known to be alive. Perez is alleged to have murdered Machek to steal his identification and money to flee the country.
Machek's body has never been found.
The head of the FBI in Detroit said evidence shows Perez used Machek's credit card to purchase a one way ticket to San Diego as well as purchases in Mexico.
“This extradition brings long-waited justice in a cold case that has remained open for more than 24 years,” said Farmington Hills Police Chief John Piggott. “We are grateful to the FBI, Department of Justice, the State Department and Guatemalan authorities for their cooperation in locating, arresting and extraditing Perez and ensuring that he will finally stand before a court to answer this charge.”
In June, 2003, the Oakland County Prosecutor’s Office issued a warrant charging Perez with felony murder. A federal warrant charging Perez with unlawful flight to avoid prosecution also was issued by the U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Michigan.
“Gordon Machek was never forgotten. Thanks to advancements in DNA science, we are now able to bring charges against his alleged killer 25 years later," Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald said in a statement. "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.”
Longtime neighbor Sue Macri said Machek never got to see his dream of retirement.
"Eddie Perez is the devil himself," Macri said. "He is evil and killed a wonderful, kind, giving, gentle man."
Perez faces life in prison if convicted. He is scheduled to return to court for a probable cause conference on July 17th.
