A man wanted by MPD in connection with the fatal stabbing of Elaine Coleman has been arrested, MPD announced Tuesday night.
John William Smith Jr., 46, was named as a suspect in Coleman’s death just before New Years Eve. He was believed to be in Baltimore. He was arrested Tuesday at about 4 p.m.; MPD did not say where he was arrested.
He’s suspected of second degree murder while armed.
A press release is below.
January 3, 2012
Arrest Made in the Homicide in the 500 Block of 23rd Place, NE
(Washington, DC)-Detectives from the Metropolitan Police Departments Homicide Branch have announced that an arrest has been made in the fatal stabbing which occurred in the 500 block of 23rd Place, NE.
On December 4, 2011, at approximately 12:28 am, units from the First District responded to the 500 block of 23rd Place, NE for the report of an unconscious subject. Upon arriving on the scene officers located an adult female inside of the location identified as 47 year-old Elaine Coleman of Northeast, Washington, DC, suffering from stab wounds. DC Fire and Emergency Medical Services personnel determined that there were no signs of life. The victim was pronounced dead by a member from the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner.
On Tuesday, January 03, 2012, at approximately 4:00 pm, members from the Capital Area Regional Fugitive Task Force arrested 46 year-old John William Smith Jr., of no fixed address, pursuant to an arrest warrant and charged him with Murder Two while Armed in the homicide of Elaine Coleman.
