A fugitive wanted for a bombing incident in 1982 has been apprehended after living under the name of a deceased classmate for decades, as confirmed by federal authorities. Stephen Craig Campbell, aged 76, was arrested at his residence in Weed, New Mexico, on February 18th on charges of misusing a passport, following a brief standoff. Campbell had been on the U.S. Marshals Most Wanted list for over 40 years for his alleged involvement in a bombing that targeted his estranged wife’s boyfriend in Wyoming.
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The bombing in 1982, for which Campbell was sought, resulted in severe injuries to his wife including the loss of a finger, and caused fires in the targeted residence and a neighbouring unit. Campbell is said to have assumed the identity of Walter Lee Coffman, a fellow University of Arkansas graduate who passed away in a car accident in 1975. Authorities revealed that Campbell attended the same institution as Coffman, both studying engineering, which suggested a possible connection between the two individuals.
Using Coffman’s identity, Campbell reportedly applied for a passport in 1984 and renewed it several times, always supplying his own photograph and address. He also obtained a Social Security card and an Oklahoma driver’s license under Coffman’s name, and even purchased property in Weed using the deceased classmate’s identity. Campbell’s elaborate ruse began to unravel in 2019 when he attempted to renew his driver’s license and came under scrutiny by agents who discovered the real Coffman had passed away in 1975.
The investigation further revealed that Campbell had received approximately $140,000 in Social Security retirement insurance benefits using Coffman’s name. Additionally, it was found that Campbell had failed to appear in court in 1983 on charges of attempted murder, which led to his inclusion in the US Marshals Service’s wanted list. During his arrest in Weed, authorities encountered Campbell armed with a scope rifle and a cache of firearms and ammunition on his property.
Campbell’s arrest has shed light on the extent of his alleged deception over the years, causing shock and disbelief among those familiar with the real Walter Lee Coffman. Sharon Ennis, Coffman’s aunt, expressed sadness and devastation over the misuse of her nephew’s identity for Campbell’s personal gain. Campbell is currently in custody, though information regarding his plea and legal representation remains undisclosed. The elaborate scheme orchestrated by Campbell serves as a poignant reminder of the lengths some individuals may go to evade justice for their past actions.
The intricate web of deceit spun by Campbell highlights the importance of vigilance by authorities in uncovering fraudulent activities that span decades. The arrest of the fugitive, living under an assumed identity for years, serves as a testament to the dedication and thoroughness of law enforcement agencies in pursuit of justice. The case also underscores the enduring impact of past crimes and the relentless pursuit of accountability, no matter how much time has passed.