Decades-Long Fugitive Arrested After Assuming Identity of Deceased College Peer

A fugitive wanted for the attempted murder of his estranged wife over 40 years ago has been apprehended. The Justice Department announced his capture after a scheme involving the identity of a deceased man unraveled. This case has captivated investigators for decades.

Stephen Craig Campbell, 76, evaded law enforcement for many years by living under an assumed identity. Authorities say he fraudulently collected around $140,000 in retired social security benefits. His arrest took place last week in New Mexico during an armed standoff. Prosecutors indicated that law enforcement discovered nearly 60 firearms at his residence.

Background of the Case

The alleged criminal’s history dates back to 1982 when he was accused of planting a booby-trapped toolbox outside the Wyoming home of his estranged wife’s boyfriend. This act led to a harrowing explosion that severely injured the victim. The blast caused significant damage, igniting a fire that ultimately destroyed multiple residences.

According to the Justice Department, Campbell was charged with attempted first-degree murder following the incident, but he was released on bond soon after. The charges did not deter him; he vanished shortly after posting bail.

The Disappearance and Assumed Identity

A warrant was issued for Campbell’s arrest, yet he managed to remain elusive for decades. He assumed the identity of Walter Lee Coffman, a man who died in 1975 at the age of 22. The fraud was meticulously planned, as Campbell shared educational ties with Coffman; both attended the University of Arkansas around the same time, pursuing similar engineering degrees.

Campbell first applied for a passport under Coffman’s name in 1984. Over the years, he renewed this passport multiple times. He even used Coffman’s identity to obtain a Social Security card by presenting a driver’s license. This false identity allowed him to live a seemingly normal life.

Life in New Mexico

In the early 2000s, Campbell relocated to Weed, New Mexico. He purchased a 44-acre property using Coffman’s name and continued to renew his fraudulent passport without raising red flags. This long-running deception ultimately led to his undoing.

The Unraveling of the Scheme

The scheme began to fall apart when Campbell attempted to renew his New Mexico driver’s license in Coffman’s name in 2019. The authorities uncovered Coffman’s death, which prompted an investigation into the suspected fraudulent identity usage.

On February 19, law enforcement officials acted swiftly to search Campbell’s property. Reports indicate that he was armed, positioned in a concealed spot with a scoped rifle. After multiple warnings and the deployment of flashbangs, he surrendered to authorities without further incident.

Seizure of Weapons

During the search, investigators found Campbell armed with high-powered ammunition capable of penetrating standard body armor. The rifle was readied for action, with a round chambered. Authorities also recovered 57 firearms and large quantities of ammunition from the property. Given his fugitive status, Campbell was prohibited from possessing firearms.

Reactions from Authorities

Jason Mower, a spokesperson for the Sweetwater County Sheriff’s Office, reflected on the noteworthy significance of Campbell’s capture. He noted how the case had remained a priority in the department for many years.

“Campbell’s wanted poster has been on the wall at our office since I started here nearly 20 years ago,” Mower expressed. “While I have worked on hundreds of fugitive cases, this one remained unsolved until now.”

Joe Tomich, the undersheriff for the Sweetwater County Sheriff’s Office, echoed similar sentiments. He underscored the complexity of the case and the extensive effort that went into tracking Campbell over the years.

A Long-Awaited Resolution

“It’s challenging to comprehend the breadth of this case—from its violent beginnings to the years of searching and a climactic standoff in New Mexico,” Tomich stated. “We have all played our parts in trying to capture Campbell. My case file on him is extensive, filled with leads that led nowhere. Now we understand why he was always one step ahead of us.”

Next Steps for Campbell

Following his arrest, Campbell appeared in federal court in New Mexico, facing charges related to fraud and identity theft. If found guilty, he could face up to ten years in federal prison before extradition to Wyoming to stand trial for the bombing incident in 1982. Law enforcement agencies have placed a detainer on him to ensure he returns to Wyoming once the federal legal proceedings conclude.

A Reminder of Justice

This case serves as a stark reminder of how crime and justice can intertwine over decades. The diligent effort of law enforcement personnel against a backdrop of evolving identification measures is commendable. The apprehension of Campbell marks the end of a long chapter in a story that began with violence and deception. It demonstrates the importance of persistence in the pursuit of justice.