Fugitive Wanted in 1982 Home Bombing Evaded Capture by Assuming Dead Classmate’s Identity, Officials Say
Man Arrested After 4 Decades on the Run
A 76-year-old man who went into hiding following a 1982 bombing and allegedly assumed the identity of his dead college classmate was arrested this month at his home in New Mexico after a standoff with law enforcement.
Background
Stephen Craig Campbell was wanted on attempted first-degree murder charges after he allegedly planted an explosive device in a toolbox outside the Wyoming home of his estranged wife’s boyfriend. The bomb exploded when the wife opened the toolbox, severing her finger and causing other injuries, officials said. The blast also ignited a fire at the home and a neighboring residence.
Life on the Run
Campbell was taken into custody after the bombing and was reportedly released on bond in 1983, but he failed to show for a court appearance, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Mexico said. He was placed on the U.S. Marshals’ most-wanted list and had been on the run up until his February 19 arrest.
Faking His Identity
An investigation found that around 1984, Campbell assumed the identity of Walter Lee Coffman, who was 22 when he died in 1975. Campbell and Coffman both attended the University of Arkansas to pursue engineering. Authorities believe there was most “likely a connection between the two” because they attended the same school.
A Life of Deception
Over the years, Campbell used the dead man’s name to get a passport, obtain a replacement Social Security card, and purchase property in Weed, New Mexico. His ruse began to fall apart in September 2019 when Campbell renewed his driver’s license in Cloudcroft, New Mexico.
Arrest and Standoff
Authorities obtained an arrest warrant for Campbell this month and tracked him down to his 44-acre property in New Mexico. Campbell allegedly greeted law enforcement armed with a scoped rifle, positioning himself in an elevated, partially concealed spot. After repeated orders and the deployment of flashbangs, Campbell emerged from the wood line and was detained.
Charges and Investigation
He was charged with misuse of a passport, and investigators are evaluating additional charges. If convicted of misuse of a passport, Campbell faces up to 10 years in prison. A trial date has not yet been set. Authorities in Wyoming have been notified of Campbell’s capture and requested a detainer be placed on him in connection with the pending attempted first-degree murder charges.
Conclusion
After four decades on the run, Stephen Craig Campbell’s life of deception was finally exposed. His ability to assume the identity of a dead classmate and evade capture for so long is a testament to his cunning and determination. However, his arrest and pending charges bring a sense of justice to those affected by the 1982 bombing.
FAQs
* What was Stephen Craig Campbell wanted for?
+ Attempted first-degree murder for allegedly planting an explosive device in a toolbox outside his estranged wife’s boyfriend’s home in 1982.
* How did Campbell evade capture for so long?
+ By assuming the identity of his dead college classmate, Walter Lee Coffman, and using his name to obtain a passport, Social Security card, and property.
* What was Campbell’s fate after his arrest?
+ He was charged with misuse of a passport and is pending additional charges. If convicted, he faces up to 10 years in prison.
* What is the current status of the case?
+ Campbell is being held pending trial, and a trial date has not yet been set.
