After nearly four years on the run, the FBI has reported the apprehension of a former Most Wanted fugitive, Justin Smith. On March 8, law enforcement officials took Smith into custody in Atlanta, Georgia. Smith, a convicted felon, had been sought after for his alleged part in the chilling murder of his 21-year-old pregnant girlfriend, according to the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Smith's girlfriend went missing on March 30, 2021, and her body was tragically discovered on April 5, 2021. Although the arrest came years after the heinous act, it marks a notable breakthrough in a case that shook the local community and garnered national attention. Wayne A. Jacobs, FBI Philadelphia’s special agent in charge, emphasized the collaborative effort behind the arrest in a statement obtained by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. “The apprehension of Justin Smith is a testament to the perseverance of law enforcement and strong partnerships across jurisdictions,” Jacobs explained.

Back in 2021, on April 9, charges including murder and other related offenses were brought against Smith in the 1st Judicial District in Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania. When Smith managed to elude capture, a state warrant was put forth for his arrest. The situation escalated when, on August 10, 2023, Smith also received a federal arrest warrant in the United States District Court, Eastern District of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, after being charged with unlawful flight to avoid prosecution, as per the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation expressed its gratitude to various law enforcement agencies that contributed to Smith's capture in a recent announcement. Agencies involved included the Philadelphia Police Department, Atlanta Police Department, and the FBI Divisions in Atlanta, Charlotte, Newark, Tampa, alongside the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, and Upper Darby Police Department.