Colombia extradites 7 accused of killing DEA agent

BOGOTA, Colombia (AP) — Seven Colombians accused of involvement in the stabbing death of a U.S. drug agent have been handed over to American authorities.

The men were delivered to U.S. officials Tuesday at a police base in the capital city of Bogota.

The men have been indicted in the U.S. on charges that they murdered 43-year-old DEA agent James “Terry” Watson in Bogota. Authorities say they posed as taxi drivers, and were trying to take Watson on what’s called a “millionaire’s ride,” in which criminals force victims to remove cash from ATMs.

U.S. and Colombian officials believe the 2013 killing was unrelated to Watson’s drug enforcement role.

The suspects are expected to stand trial in Virginia. Their families are protesting that they did not have an opportunity to say goodbye to the men.

Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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