November 2022 in Prince George’s County, investigators said a man walks out of a department store with a suitcase filled with stolen items.
He’s stopped by police, telling the officer his name, but that’s not who he really is.
The officer in actuality is face to face with a wanted man who has been on parole for a violent killing, according to court documents.
The US Marshals Service identified the fugitive as James Alphonso Ward.
Investigators said Ward’s trouble with the law dates back a decade.
In 2013, investigators said Ward forced his way into a woman’s home in Upper Marlboro and stabbed her to death.
The first degree murder charge was reduced to manslaughter, investigators said, and Ward was sentenced to 10 years in prison.
A sentence he only serves half of, according to court records.
“In this case he was released on parole. He was given a chance to reintegrate into society. Given a second chance,” said Al Maresca, deputy marshal with the US Marshals Service.
The year is now 2018, and for the most part, Ward stays out of trouble.
Until 2022. Investigators said Ward assaults another woman.
In court documents, the victim details the abuse, writing,
“He smacked my left ear with such force it tore my ear drum,” the documents detailed.
A warrant was issued for Ward’s arrest, but he wasn’t found until months later when investigators say he stole merchandise from a Department store in PG County.
Investigators said Ward was arrested and charged with theft, but in 2023 failed to show up to court.
Yet another warrant is issued for his arrest. Investigators added that Ward also failed to check-in with his parole officer.
“Based on his history of violence they’ve requested the US Marshals Service’s help,” said Maresca.
Anyone with any information regarding Ward’s whereabouts is asked to contact the US Marshal Service at 202-819-5058 or the tipline at 1-877-WANTED-2.