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FBI’s Most Wanted Fugitive Justin Smith Captured in Atlanta

Police apprehending a fugitive in an urban Atlanta setting.

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.