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For Immediate Release

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November 02, 2010 Michael R. Regan, United States Marshal
Middle District of Pennsylvania (717) 221-2213
U.S. Marshals Capture Suspect in October 2010 Harrisburg Murder
Suspect was convicted in another fatal shooting over 15 years ago
Harrisburg, PA – U.S. Marshal Michael R. Regan announced today that the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) arrested Kenneth Randolph in Harrisburg.

Randolph was being sought on an arrest warrant, dated October 9, 2010, and signed by Magisterial District Judge Marsha Stewart in Harrisburg.

During the evening hours of October 9, the Harrisburg Bureau of Police was dispatched to the 1500 block of Vernon Street in the Allison Hills section on a report of a shot fired. Responding officers found the victim, James Snipes, 41 years old, at the front of his home. Snipes had a gunshot wound to his lower chest. The victim was transported to a nearby hospital, where he succumbed from his injuries. Based upon witness interviews, it is believed a handgun fell from Kenneth Randolph’s clothing when he stood up to leave the victim’s residence. The weapon hit the pavement and a round discharged, hitting the victim in the chest. An autopsy confirmed Snipes died from a single gunshot wound. As a result of the police investigation, an arrest warrant was issued against Kenneth Randolph, charging him with the following offenses:
  • 1 count of Criminal Homicide
  • 1 count of Carrying a Firearm without a License
  • 1 count of Recklessly Endangering another Person
  • 1 count of Convicted Felon not to possess a Firearm

The Harrisburg Bureau of Police requested the assistance of the U.S. Marshals Service to locate and apprehend Kenneth Randolph. This fugitive case was adopted by the U.S. Marshals Service Fugitive Task Force in the Middle District of Pennsylvania.

U.S. Marshals based in Harrisburg learned Randolph did not have a license to carry a firearm. Almost 16 years ago, Randolph was involved in a fatal shooting in the 1200 block of Rolleston Street. He admitted to shooting a friend in the eye at close range on December 2, 1994. In 1995, Randolph was convicted in Dauphin County on a charge of involuntary manslaughter.

Harrisburg police suspect the gun used in the October 2010 shooting was stolen or illegally traded, since Randolph is prohibited from buying, owning or carrying a firearm.

Additionally, U.S. Marshals determined Randolph has recent felony convictions. In February 2008, he was sentenced in Dauphin County Court of Common Pleas to 4-12 months in prison for drug possession.

On November 2, U.S. Marshals and members of the USMS Middle District of Pennsylvania Fugitive Task Force conducted a series of interviews throughout Dauphin County. The results led U.S. Marshals to 28 D Hall Manor in Harrisburg. When entry was made, U.S. Marshals found Randolph inside the unit with his girlfriend. Randolph was taken into custody without incident.

Randolph, 32 years of age, was turned over to the Harrisburg Bureau of Police for processing and court proceedings.

U.S. Marshals, aided by the Harrisburg Bureau of Police, were diligent in their search for Randolph. As part of the U.S. Marshals Service Fugitive Task Force, personnel from the Dauphin County Adult Probation Office and the Pennsylvania Board of Probation & Parole assisted in the investigation and capture of this fugitive. The concept of all USMS-led fugitive task forces is to seek out and arrest the nation’s most dangerous offenders.

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For more information about the U.S. Marshals Service, visit http://www.usmarshals.gov