Wyoming fugitive arrested in New Mexico after 42 years on the run
A fugitive who evaded capture for more than four decades after a 1982 bombing in Wyoming has been arrested.
By News Channel NebraskaWEED, N.M. — A fugitive who evaded capture for more than four decades after a 1982 bombing in Wyoming has been arrested.
Wyoming News Now reports Stephen Craig Campbell, 76, was taken into custody on Feb. 19 at a remote compound in Weed, New Mexico. Authorities say Campbell planted a booby-trapped toolbox rigged with explosives outside the home of his estranged wife's boyfriend in Sweetwater County, Wyoming. The blast severed the woman’s finger, ignited a fire and destroyed two homes.
Charged with attempted first-degree murder, Campbell posted bail and vanished in 1982. He eluded authorities by stealing the identity of a deceased classmate, Walter Lee Coffman, using the alias to obtain U.S. passports, Social Security benefits and property in New Mexico.
His 42-year run ended after investigators uncovered his false identity. FBI agents, U.S. Marshals and local authorities raided his 44-acre compound, where Campbell initially resisted arrest, armed with a high-powered rifle loaded with armor-piercing ammunition. After a brief standoff, he surrendered. A search of his property uncovered 57 firearms and large amounts of ammunition.
Campbell appeared in federal court on fraud charges for using stolen identity documents. If convicted, he faces up to 10 years in prison before extradition to Wyoming to face attempted murder charges.
Wyoming News Now / Marquee Broadcasting Inc. contributed to this report.