United States Marshals Hunt Down New York Homicide Suspect

Phoenix, AZ – The United States Marshals Service (USMS) Fugitive Task Force tracked down Philip Stapleton, a man the New York Police Department (NYPD) believe shot his friend three times in the head, killing him. Stapleton was one of Bronx’s Top Ten Most Wanted Fugitive’s. NYPD Detectives joined forces with U.S. Marshals last night and found Stapleton living at a cousin’s house in El Mirage. Stapleton was taken into custody this morning leaving the residence.

NYPD Detectives believe Stapleton, along with the victim, Jose Padilla, conducted a “drug rip” of a drug dealer in Bronx, NY on September 21. They made off with approximately $50,000 in cash, two guns and some drugs. Later that night, Stapleton got into an argument with Padilla, pulling a gun on him and shooting him three times in the head with a .357 caliber handgun. The investigation brought Detectives out to Phoenix, where they hooked up with the U.S. Marshals fugitive squad. Stapleton was taken into custody without incident.

“The New York Police Department asked the Marshals Service to assist them in tracking down Mr. Stapleton because of our ability to locate fugitives”, says United States Marshal David Gonzales. “This case was made one of our highest priorities because of the violent nature of the crime alleged to be committed by this fugitive”, Gonzales adds.

For further information about the U.S. Marshals: www.usmarshals.gov.