News Summary
Justin Smith, a fugitive wanted for the murder of his pregnant girlfriend, was captured in Atlanta following a traffic stop. The 27-year-old attempted to evade authorities but was quickly apprehended. His arrest unveiled connections to a tragic crime that left his girlfriend, Dianna Brice, dead and her unborn child lost. This capture highlights successful collaboration between local police and the FBI in pursuing justice.
FBI’s Most Wanted Fugitive Justin Smith Captured in Atlanta Following 2021 Murder of Pregnant Girlfriend
Atlanta has found itself at the center of a gripping fugitive tale as Justin Smith, a 27-year-old wanted in connection with the murder of his pregnant girlfriend, was captured on March 8, 2025. The events unfolded during a routine traffic stop in southwest Atlanta.
The Arrest
The police pulled over Smith’s 2017 Chevy Equinox around 4:48 p.m. on Oak Street SW due to invalid registration. Upon being approached, Smith attempted to present himself under the alias of “Prince Kareem” and lacked a valid driver’s license. Authorities grew suspicious when the name he provided yielded no records.
As officers made moves to further investigate, Smith attempted a dramatic getaway, driving off only to abandon the car and flee on foot. However, the chase was short-lived, and he was quickly apprehended. A search during the arrest unveiled a fraudulent ID that also failed to provide any credible identification.
Identification and Background
Thanks to a fingerprint scanning device, authorities were able to confirm Smith’s identity. His name has been linked to a tragic crime: the murder of Dianna Brice, his 21-year-old pregnant girlfriend. Brice went missing on March 30, 2021, and her body was discovered just days later, on April 5, with multiple gunshot wounds to her head. At the time of her death, she was reportedly 14 weeks pregnant, and tragically, her unborn child did not survive.
Legal Consequences
Following the grim discovery of Brice’s body, Smith was charged with murder and has been evading law enforcement ever since, prompting the FBI to issue a federal arrest warrant for Unlawful Flight to Avoid Prosecution on August 10, 2023. His connection to Brice’s disappearance has been solidified through evidence linking the vehicle he was driving at the time to her disappearance.
Current Status
In addition to the serious charges related to the murder case, Smith has been charged locally for No Tag/No Decal and Use of a Fraudulent License/ID. Following his capture, the Atlanta Police promptly notified the FBI, leading to plans for Smith’s extradition to Philadelphia where he will face prosecution.
Law Enforcement Collaboration
This arrest serves as a testament to the effectiveness of coordinated efforts among multiple law enforcement agencies, including the local Atlanta Police Department and the FBI, showcasing their commitment to bringing fugitives to justice.
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Additional Resources
- Fox 5 Atlanta
- Wikipedia: Justin Smith
- WSB Radio
- Google Search: Justin Smith FBI
- CBS News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: FBI Most Wanted
- Hoodline
- Google News: Justin Smith Arrest
Author: STAFF HERE ATLANTA WRITER
The ATLANTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAtlanta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Atlanta, Fulton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as vibrant music festivals like Shaky Knees and Music Midtown, major cultural celebrations including Dragon Con and the Atlanta Film Festival, and iconic sporting events like the Peachtree Road Race. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, beverages, and retail that power the local economy such as Delta Air Lines, The Coca-Cola Company, and The Home Depot. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAugusta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
