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FAMED BASKERVILLE MURDER CASE FINALLY
ADDED TO U.S. MARSHALS “15 MOST WANTED FUGITIVES” MANHUNT
 Washington
D.C. – Gangs, drugs, death comprise a trident that pierces the heart of
major cities like Newark, NJ. Local authorities there believe that gang
member Rakeem
Baskerville, 30, was involved in all three activities, however, he has
eluded capture for 17 months. Today, U.S. Marshals added his name to their
national “15 MOST WANTED FUGITIVES” list. Baskerville is a member of the
notorious “ET-Hak” gang and allegedly has murdered two government witnesses
and participated in major distributions of cocaine and heroin.
On March 1, 2004, a prosecution witness to a homicide was slain in a hail of
bullets during a drive-by shooting in Newark. The next day, another
government witness was stalked and murdered by a gang of killers. Once
again, the cause of death was multiple gunshot wounds. Newark police believe
Baskerville pulled the trigger in the first slaying and was involved in the
second. He faces charges for murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and
firearms violations.
A federal grand jury in Newark also indicted Baskerville, and other gang
members, on charges brought by the Drug Enforcement Administration. Those
charges include a five-year drug conspiracy involving the distribution of
kilogram quantities of cocaine and heroin, laundering the illegal proceeds
through the purchase of luxury automobiles and jewelry, firearms violations,
and allegations that members of the organization threatened, intimidated and
arranged to murder persons whom they believed were cooperating with law
enforcement.
“U.S. Marshals have a long tradition of helping local police get fugitives
like Rakeem Baskerville off the street and in front of a judge,” said Acting
Director John Clark of the U.S. Marshals. “It’s our experience that when
such individuals are on the run, they become an even greater menace to
society.”
New Jersey Marshal James Plousis said Baskerville has a violent criminal
history, including five felony convictions for aggravated assault,
robberies, firearms and drugs. “We are offering up to $25,000 for
information directly leading to Baskerville’s arrest,” said Plousis. “I have
not seen a fugitive who is potentially more dangerous to the citizens of New
Jersey than this gang member,” he said. “Deputy Marshals and our excellent
partners on the Newark Police investigations team ask that anyone with
information about Rakeem Baskerville’s whereabouts contact the nearest U.S.
Marshals office, or call our 24-0hour phone line at 1-800-336-0101.”
Baskerville is a black male with brown eyes and black hair. He has a
noticeable scar above his left eye. He is 5’ 9” tall and weighs 195 pounds.
His wanted
poster is on the U.S. Marshals website,
www.usmarshals.gov.
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