Lafayette suspect caught in Houston
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LAFAYETTE — A Lafayette man accused of second-degree murder in an August 2008 shooting was captured Tuesday while hiding out in a Houston hotel, authorities said Wednesday.
The Lafayette Police Department had been searching for James Roy Francis since Aug. 31, 2008, when he allegedly shot and killed Qaher Abualoff outside of Food World in the 300 block of South Pierce Street.
The U.S. Marshals Service assumed the case in January.
Deputy U.S. Marshal Corey W. Britt, of Lafayette, said the case was highlighted June 13 on the “America’s Most Wanted” television show.
The show produced few tips until Tuesday, when a woman called in and told authorities she had seen Francis at a Wal-Mart store in Houston and later in a parking lot at a nearby hotel, Britt said.
The woman confirmed the man she saw was Francis after she viewed the fugitive’s photo online, Britt said.
“She was absolutely sure it was him. We don’t hear that very often,” Britt said.
After the U.S. Marshals Office in Lafayette contacted authorities in Houston, deputies were sent to the Best Classic Suites in search of Francis, Britt said.
Investigators interviewed management and others at the hotel and confirmed that Francis was indeed there, Britt said.
Francis was arrested without incident and is awaiting extradition to Lafayette.
Witnesses to the shooting reported to police that James Roy Francis and Abualoff were involved in an argument inside Food World. They carried the argument outside where Francis allegedly pulled out a gun and shot Abualoff.
Francis’ brother, Michael Joseph Francis, who allegedly drove his brother away from the scene of the shooting, was arrested shortly afterward and booked with principal to second-degree murder and felon in possession of a handgun.
A Lafayette Parish grand jury indicted Michael Joseph Francis Dec. 3, 2008, on a charge of second-degree murder of Abualoff.
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