PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY, Md. — Police are investigating after arresting a suspect on the FBI's Ten Most Wanted fugitive list early Thursday morning in connection with two homicides years apart.
Lamont Stephenson was placed on the list after being accused of killing his fiancée and her dog in Newark, New Jersey almost five years ago.
Prince George's County Police said Thursday in a press conference that DC Metro Police also believe he was involved in a homicide in the nation's capital on Wednesday.
Police arrested Stephenson during a routine stop Thursday morning. Three PGPD officers responded to a call of a suspicious person in a rental truck. A surveillance company saw him take refuge inside the truck and called police.
"They engaged this individual and he initially stated that he was just homeless and trying to get out of the weather," PGPD Chief Hank Stawinski said. "He provided a name, but then also offered he may be wanted with additional crimes."
After running his name, the officers arrested Stephenson on charges of unlawful flight. Stephenson was wanted for his alleged involvement in the murder of his fiancee and her dog in their Newark, New Jersey, apartment, on Oct. 17, 2014. He was charged on Nov. 3, 2014 with homicide by the State of New Jersey in Essex County, N.J.
A federal warrant was issued on Sept. 8, 2017 for Stephenson by federal court after he was charged with unlawful flight to avoid prosecution.
Authorities had warned the public that Stephenson was considered armed and dangerous.
Stawinski said Thursday they did recover a weapon, but could not speak more about the homicide in Washington D.C.
MPD confirmed Thursday night was a suspect in the murder of a woman named Natina Kiah, 40. She was found stabbed to death last night in the 5000 block of D Street SE.
Officials confirmed a cat was also found deceased at the residence.
In Prince George's County, police said the suspect was relieved when he was arrested.
“It was cold last night … [the suspect] was relieved, a sense of relief. He sort of made these comments … once those facts had been established, [the officer] saw a sense of relief," he said. "We’re at the very beginning of the holding accountable for Mr. Stephenson."