The man accused of killing a 21-year-old woman who was the designated driver for her friends at a Philadelphia bar has been arrested in Atlantic City after a weeklong manhunt.
Anthony Nelson, 47, was taken into custody by US Marshals on Wednesday at Harrah’s Casino, abc6 reported. He now faces murder charges stemming from the June 28 fatal shooting of Jailene Holton.
“Our community is deeply humbled by the utterly horrific and senseless loss of Jayleen, who had such great promise for a huge future. It is our hope that the swift apprehension of this heinous perpetrator will bring some comfort to the Holton family,” officials said.
Robert Clark, head of the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force, said the agency developed a lead that helped agents track Nelson to New Jersey.
“Once he knew we were there and we weren’t going to leave, we were able to arrest him safely without anyone getting hurt,” Clark said. “We believe he knew he was wanted.”
Jayleen Hotlon, 21, was fatally shot in the head while out with friends. Police said Nelson opened fire at a Philly bar and restaurant (pictured) after being kicked out of the establishment for causing a disturbance. WCAU
He added: “Many of our task force investigators have children. It was a needless random act of violence. This is a horrific act and we are very grateful that we were able to go out and arrest him in less than 12 hours.
Nelson is accused of opening fire at the Philly Bar and Grill after being kicked out of the establishment for causing a disturbance for using a pool table.
Police said Nelson grabbed a gun from a pickup truck and fired 15 shots into the bar from 200 feet away.
The US Marshals Fugitive Task Force developed leads that helped agents track Nelson to Atlantic City. The 47-year-old is facing charges of murder and fugitive from justice by the US Marshals Service. U.S. Marshals Service officials said they believe Nelson knew he was wanted when they found him at Harrah’s Casino in Atlantic City.
Five of the rounds went through the bar’s front window.
Holton, who was standing behind, was struck in the head by a stray bullet and collapsed in front of her friends. She later died in hospital.
Another visitor was injured by broken glass and was treated for cuts.
After the shooting, cops said Nelson fled in a pickup truck with two other men who were with him that night.
Holton’s uncle, James Holton, said at the time that the woman acted as a designated driver for her companions.
Family members said Holton did not go out often and was the designated driver for her friends on the night of her death. Giving out to the family
“She didn’t go out often,” the uncle told the station. “They were only going to be there for about 15 to 20 minutes and then the altercation broke out and … this guy started shooting.”
Nelson faces extradition from New Jersey to Pennsylvania to face several charges, including murder and being a fugitive from justice.
It is unclear at this time if Nelson’s two companions will face charges in connection with the shooting.
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