Panama serial murder case tied to Henderson County native who ran White Supremacist Shop
The FBI got involved because agents believe Holbert and girlfriend Laura Michelle Reese may have kidnapped victims before killing them, Orihuela said.
The FBI does not have agents now in Panama, Orihuela said. She would not comment on when or if agents would go there.
A legal attaché with the U.S. embassy is helping the bureau handle the investigation in Panama, she said.
Orihuela would not say whether the FBI asked to get involved with the case or was requested to by Panamanian law enforcement.
Nicaraguan police arrested Holbert and Reese on July 26 as they were trying to cross into that country illegally.
They were handed over to Panamanian authorities and charged with the murders which police say began in 2007.
Holbert met Reese in Asheville at the Body Shop, a local gym where he worked. He played football at North Henderson High School and at one time ran a white supremacist shop in Forest City.