Showing posts with label manhunt. Show all posts
Showing posts with label manhunt. Show all posts

Thursday, September 21, 2023

Tip to FBI Ends 32-Year-Long Manhunt: Louisiana Fugitive Captured in Mexico

New Orleans, Louisiana - In a dramatic turn of events, a 32-year-long manhunt for Greg Lawson, a Louisiana man who had been on the run since 1991, came to a close with his arrest in Huatulco, Mexico. The breakthrough in this decades-old case was made possible by a recent tip received by the FBI New Orleans.

The pursuit of 63-year-old Greg Lawson began in May 1991 when he fled just before a jury found him guilty of attempted second-degree murder. Over the years, the FBI tirelessly followed numerous leads and acted on tips and alleged sightings, crisscrossing the United States in their quest to bring Lawson to justice. From the outset, there were suspicions that Lawson had sought refuge in Mexico.

Earlier this month, a crucial tip received by FBI New Orleans provided the vital breakthrough. The tip confirmed Lawson's presence in Mexico, setting off a series of coordinated efforts between FBI agents in Shreveport, Mexico, and FBI Headquarters. With the cooperation of Mexican immigration authorities, Lawson was arrested on Tuesday, September 19, 2023, in Huatulco, Mexico. He was subsequently deported from Mexico due to immigration violations.

FBI agents are now working closely with the Bienville Parish Sheriff’s Office to facilitate Lawson's return to Louisiana, where he will face the legal consequences of his actions.

Douglas A. Williams Jr., the special agent in charge of FBI New Orleans, expressed gratitude for the unwavering support of law enforcement partners and the public throughout the lengthy investigation. He acknowledged the pivotal role played by the swift action of Mexican authorities in finally bringing Greg Lawson to justice, closing a chapter that had remained open for more than three decades.

Tuesday, September 01, 2015

Shooting Suspect Arrested in Chicago



Faces Federal Firearms and State Attempted Murder Charges in Des Moines

Riverdale, IL – A three-month manhunt for a Des Moines, Iowa shooting suspect has ended with the fugitive’s arrest in Riverdale. A team of law enforcement officers led by U.S. Marshals arrested James Matthew Butler, 29, around 2:40 p.m. Thursday near the intersection of 140th and School St.

Butler was wanted by the Des Moines Police Department on three counts of attempted murder in connection with the May 27 shooting of a 33-year old woman and a 36-year old man in the 1100 block of 27th St. Butler is also accused of shooting at a third individual who was not injured. At the time of the alleged shooting, Butler was on federal pre-trial release. He was awaiting trial in the Southern District of Iowa on charges of being a felon in possession of a firearm. A federal arrest warrant was issued for Butler on May 28.

On Thursday, acting on information from Polk County Crime Stoppers and the U.S. Marshals Southern Iowa Fugitive Task Force in Des Moines, U.S. Marshals in the Northern District of Illinois – assisted by their task force - observed a man matching Butler’s description in a vehicle with several other individuals in Riverdale. As the vehicle neared the area of 140th and School St., Deputies conducted a felony traffic stop of the vehicle. The man believed to be Butler attempted to give Deputies a false identity. Deputies were able to confirm Butler’s identity and arrested him without incident.

Butler is being held at the federal Metropolitan Correctional Center in Chicago where he is awaiting extradition back to the Southern District of Iowa.