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The search for a top fugitive in Georgia concluded Wednesday with the capture of a notorious criminal tied to the unexpected death of a 35-year-old woman. However, the authorities have not yet disclosed the circumstances surrounding her death.
The arrest of Drake Ladon Keef, 32, was facilitated by the Bartow County Sheriff’s Office and he is currently held at the Floyd County Jail, according to a statement from the Floyd County Sheriff’s Office.
Keef was facing charges including aggravated battery, hit-and-run, and driving with a suspended license. These charges are reportedly linked to the investigation into the death of Stevie Marie Thompson, as stated by Floyd County police.
Thompson, aged 35, succumbed following a late-night incident in Rome, Georgia. Subsequent police investigations identified Keef as a suspect, leading to warrants being issued for his arrest.
Drake Ladon Keef, 32, was wanted on warrants tied to the investigation into the death of Stevie Marie Thompson in Georgia. (Floyd County Sheriff’s Office)
The incident happened between midnight and 1 a.m. Aug. 22, but authorities have not said what happened to Thompson or what role Keef allegedly played.
Her cause and manner of death have also not been disclosed, and it remains unclear whether Thompson and Keef knew each other.
As the investigation unfolded, the sheriff’s office placed Keef on its Top 10 Most Wanted list and warned the public not to approach him while authorities worked to track him down.
The search ended Wednesday when Keef was taken into custody with help from deputies in Bartow County.
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Drake Ladon Keef sits in a law enforcement vehicle after being taken into custody. Keef had been listed among the Floyd County Sheriff’s Office’s Top 10 Most Wanted fugitives. (Floyd County Sheriff’s Office)
Officials did not immediately say where Keef was found or provide details about the circumstances surrounding his capture. The sheriff’s office thanked the assisting deputies and members of the community who provided information during the search.
As investigators continue working to determine what led to Thompson’s death, her family is raising money for funeral expenses and remembering the mother for the lives she was able to save as an organ donor.
A GoFundMe created in Thompson’s memory had raised nearly $4,000 toward an $8,000 goal as of Thursday.
Police in Georgia are investigating the death of 35-year-old Stevie Marie Thompson after a suspect linked to the case was captured following a manhunt. (iStock)
The fundraiser also asked for support for Thompson’s children, sisters and other relatives as they cope with the loss.
Despite Keef’s capture, major questions surrounding Thompson’s death remain unanswered. Police have not revealed what evidence led them to Keef or whether he could face additional charges as the investigation continues.
News Media has reached out to the Floyd County Sheriff’s Office for additional information.
Keef remained in the Floyd County Jail following his capture.