India Deports FBI’s Top 10 Most Wanted Fugitive Cindy Rodriguez Singh to Texas
NEW DELHI – Cindy Rodriguez Singh, once one of the FBI’s “Top 10 Most Wanted Fugitives,” was arrested in India on 20 August 2025. The 40-year-old American fled the US after being accused of killing her six-year-old son, Noel Rodriguez Alvarez, in Texas back in 2022. After more than two years on the run, Singh’s capture and extradition mark a major step in international law enforcement cooperation.
Noel’s Disappearance
The case began in October 2022 when young Noel, who suffered from chronic lung disease and other health issues, disappeared in Everman, Texas. Authorities did not begin searching for him until March 2023, after the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services requested a welfare check.
When police visited the home, Singh claimed Noel was living in Mexico with his biological father. Investigators quickly disproved this after contacting the father, who revealed he had never even met his son.
Days later, Singh, her husband Arshdeep, and six of her children boarded a plane bound for India, with a stopover in Istanbul. Noel was not among them, raising immediate suspicions. Witnesses later told investigators that Singh often referred to Noel as “evil” or “possessed” and feared he posed a danger to her other children.
Accounts of abuse soon surfaced. Reports described Noel being starved, beaten, and even struck with keys when he tried to drink water. Singh allegedly said she had “sold” Noel, adding to the mystery surrounding his fate.
Escalating Charges
By October 2023, prosecutors in Fort Worth had charged Singh with capital murder of a child under ten. Federal authorities added a warrant for unlawful flight to avoid prosecution. In July 2025, Singh became the first mother accused of killing her own child to be placed on the FBI’s Top 10 Most Wanted list.
Her notoriety drew nationwide attention, with the reward for her capture rising from $25,000 to $250,000. Singh’s placement on the list underscored the severity of the accusations and the determination of federal investigators to bring her to justice.
The International Hunt
Given Singh’s strong ties to India, investigators suspected she might be hiding there. The FBI, in coordination with INTERPOL and the US Department of State, launched an international search. An INTERPOL Red Notice was issued on 3 October 2024, alerting authorities worldwide to Singh’s fugitive status.
Indian law enforcement agencies, including the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and state police forces, coordinated closely with the FBI’s New Delhi office. Intelligence sharing and joint operations helped pinpoint Singh’s location, though details of her capture remain confidential.
FBI Director Kash Patel praised India’s cooperation, calling the arrest “a decisive moment in a long and difficult pursuit.”
Extradition to Texas
Singh’s extradition proceeded rapidly, reflecting the strength of legal ties between the US and India. Within days of her arrest, Singh was flown back to Texas and handed over to the Tarrant County Sheriff.
She now faces multiple charges, including capital murder and fleeing prosecution. Bail has been set at $10 million. If convicted, Singh could face the death penalty under Texas law.
The Top 10 List and Its Legacy
The $250,000 bounty on Singh’s head made her one of the most high-profile fugitives in recent FBI history. Her case highlighted the enduring value of the “Ten Most Wanted Fugitives” list, which since 1950 has helped capture 498 out of 537 named suspects. In just the past seven months, Singh became the fourth fugitive on the list to be caught.
Though her arrest may bring some sense of justice, Noel’s body has never been found. Everman, Texas continues to mourn his loss. In November 2023, the city dedicated a new inclusive park in Noel’s memory—a lasting reminder of his short life and a symbol of hope for other vulnerable children.
A Message Across Borders
For investigators, Singh’s capture sends a powerful message: international borders are no refuge for those accused of serious crimes. The cooperation between US and Indian authorities shows the growing effectiveness of global law enforcement networks.
As Singh awaits trial in Texas, the world now watches to see how the courts will resolve the tragic case of Noel Rodriguez Alvarez. For the people of Everman, the hope remains that truth and justice will finally be delivered.
