More than 13 years after a deadly shooting in Miami Gardens, Ramone Clayton is finally in custody. Miami-Dade correctional deputies booked the 41-year-old fugitive late Wednesday night at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center, capping a manhunt that spanned more than a decade and two coasts.
According to authorities, the incident occurred on September 23, 2012, following a birthday party. Witnesses informed authorities that they saw a couple arguing outside before the man, subsequently identified as Clayton, assaulted his wife, Stephanie Clayton, and shot her in the head. She died in the hospital. Stephanie was 35.
On September 25, 2012, prosecutors filed charges, and a court promptly issued a warrant. Clayton fled and was able to avoid arrest for nearly 13 years.
That changed on Oct. 24, when San Diego County Sheriff’s Office detectives got information that Clayton, originally from Jamaica, was living in the region. Deputies apprehended him three days later.
Clayton was extradited to Florida and put into custody at Miami International Airport at about 10 p.m. on Wednesday. Records reveal that he was formally booked shortly before midnight.
He appeared in court on Thursday afternoon before Miami-Dade County Circuit Judge Mindy Glazer. Clayton faces two charges:
- Second-degree murder with a deadly weapon
- Display of a firearm while committing a felony (a second-degree felony)
Judge Glazer refused bond for the murder accusation but put it at $7,500 for the weapons offense. The case will now be overseen by Miami-Dade Circuit Judge Richard Hersch.
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