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Top 10 fugitive captured in Georgia manhunt tied to woman's death
Drake Ladon Keef, 32, was taken into custody Wednesday with help from the Bartow County Sheriff's Office and booked into the Floyd County Jail. He was wanted on charges of aggravated battery, hit-and-run and driving with a suspended license in connection with the death of Stevie Marie Thompson, 35.
A Georgia manhunt ended Wednesday with the capture of a Top 10 fugitive linked to the mysterious death of a 35-year-old woman, though authorities have yet to reveal what they believe happened to her. Drake Ladon Keef, 32, was taken into custody with help from the Bartow County Sheriff's Office and booked into the Floyd County Jail, the Floyd County Sheriff's Office announced.
Keef had been wanted on warrants on charges of aggravated battery, hit-and-run and driving with a suspended license, which Floyd County police said were tied to the investigation into the death of Stevie Marie Thompson. Thompson died following a late-night incident in Rome, Georgia. Police later identified Keef as the suspect in her death and obtained warrants for his arrest.
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.
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.
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.
Keef remained in the Floyd County Jail following his capture.
