FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE FOR INFORMATION CONTACT: April 03, 2008 Brian W. Fair, Judicial Security Inspector Public Information Officer (504)589-2145   U.S. Marshals Service and New Orleans Police Department Capture Murder Suspect   On the afternoon of April 03, 2008, the U.S. Marshals Service District of Colorado Fugitive Location Apprehension Group (FLAG), acting on information provided by the U.S. Marshals Service Eastern District of Louisiana Crescent Star Fugitive Task Force (CSFTF), arrested New Orleans Police Department murder suspect, Edward J. Augustine at the condominium of an associate in the 3000 block of S. Ursala Circle Aurora, Colorado. Augustine was wanted by the New Orleans Police Department on a first degree murder warrant. There were also recent (Feb. 2008 and Dec. 2007) outstanding Orleans Parish warrants for his arrest charging him with illegal carrying of a weapon and narcotics violations. In addition, Augustine was also wanted by the St. John the Baptist Sheriff’s Office on a January 31, 2008, warrant charging him with attempted second degree murder, armed robbery, aggravated assault, and aggravated damage to property. Augustine, a 20 year old resident of New Orleans, was developed as a suspect in the Saturday, December 08, 2007, murder of Aaron Williams, 17 years old, in the 5900 block of Tullis Dr. New Orleans, Louisiana. Williams died at the scene as a result of numerous gun shot wounds to his upper torso and back. A female victim also sustained several superficial gunshot wounds during the incident. Investigators from the New Orleans Police Department believe that the shooting was related to an altercation that Williams was involved in with two other subjects. One of the subjects involved in the altercation was later identified as the younger brother of Augustine. Since the murder, the New Orleans Police Department has been involved in two vehicle pursuits with Augustine but he managed to elude arrest on each occasion. Augustine was also featured in a November 21, 2006, article in The New York Times entitled, “Rust In The Wheels Of Justice” that discussed evidence lost after Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans. The article mentioned evidence that was lost in the flood related to an Orleans Parish criminal case involving narcotics and weapon possession for which Augustine had been arrested. Augustine was placed on the New Orleans Crime Stoppers wanted fugitives billboards in early 2008 and had been profiled by local media outlets. The New Orleans Police Department brought the case to CSFTF in February of 2008. Through exhaustive efforts by CSFTF, information was developed that he was in Aurora, Colorado and FLAG was asked to assist with arrest efforts. Eastern District of Louisiana U.S. Marshal Michael Credo stated, “I am extremely happy to report the apprehension of this fugitive accused in this senseless cold blooded murder that occurred in the streets of New Orleans. I would like to complement the tireless efforts of the case agent and the many other law enforcement agencies involved in finally arresting Augustine.” The U.S. Marshals Service EDLA sponsored CSFTF is in its second year with additional support from the U.S. Attorney General and U.S. Department of Justice and plans on continuing its “Operation Debris Removal” efforts. The task force’s primary focus is to locate and arrest violent or sex related offenders. The group frequently participates in investigations with the New Orleans Police Department Violent Offenders Warrant Squad and also assists Louisiana Probation and Parole with the arrests of probation/parole violators. Current CSFTF members include the New Orleans Police Department, Bogalusa Police Department, the Orleans Parish Criminal Sheriff’s Office, St. Charles Parish Sheriff’s Office, Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, St. Bernard Parish Sheriff’s Office, Louisiana Probation and Parole, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), U.S. Border Patrol, U.S. Coast Guard Investigative Services and Social Security OIG. Other New Orleans metro area law enforcement agencies also participate on a case by case basis. The U.S. Marshals Service EDLA, with additional support from the U.S. Department of Justice Bureau of Justice Assistance, is also engaged in community activities to prevent violent crime through its Gang Resistance Education and Training (G.R.E.A.T.) program (G.R.E.A.T. NOLA). For more information on the U.S. Marshals Service EDLA CSFTF go to www.usmarshals.gov/district/la-e/news/index.html.