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Murder suspect captured in Indiana
Quazaa S. Farrow
Purchase this photoHUNTINGTON — U.S. marshals tracked down a local murder suspect in Fort Wayne, Ind., early Friday morning, and West Virginia officials will start proceedings to bring him back to Huntington.
The capture of Quazza Stephan Farrow, 20, ended a monthlong manhunt after the shooting death of Mikeal Branch, 26, on July 5 outside of a house in the 1200 block of 18th Street.
Investigators believe Farrow, with help of a woman, quickly fled to Ashland after the killing. Federal marshals think he eventually sought refuge near Atlanta before making his way to northeastern Indiana.
U.S. Deputy Marshal Jim Mounts said authorities zeroed in on a family member’s residence in Fort Wayne on Thursday. They were conducting surveillance at the house when they noticed a man matching Farrow’s description leave with two others. A traffic stop followed about 2:30 a.m. and ended with Farrow’s arrest.
“I’m pleased with the results,” Mounts said. “Any time we can get a violent offender off the streets, it’s a good day. The safety of the community is paramount in our job.”
U.S. Deputy Marshal John LaJeunesse said investigators think Farrow moved to Indiana believing that few people knew had a connection in Fort Wayne. Mounts said the suspect also had shaved his head and changed his looks, but marshals were able to confirm his identity with tattoos.
Huntington Police Lt. John Williams praised Friday’s arrest. His agency sought the marshals’ assistance on Friday, July 27, after local efforts to locate Farrow within the Tri-State were unsuccessful.
Investigators believe the July 5 shooting stemmed from a disagreement. It led to Farrow firing one gunshot that killed the victim, according to court documents.
Huntington Police Detective Chris Sperry said last month that investigators believe Branch’s attacker sought a ride via text message and fired the would-be fatal shot once that vehicle arrived. Investigators believe the get-away driver witnessed the gunshot, but they do not believe she knew Branch would be shot until after the incident occurred.
The Fort Wayne Police Department participated in Farrow’s capture. He was detained at the Allen County Jail in Fort Wayne. He is being held on an extradition warrant for West Virginia.
A local woman, Nasheka Jomelle Jobe, was charged with misdemeanor accessory after the fact in connection with the case. Police believe she assisted Farrow in fleeing to Ashland following the incident.
