Murder suspect wanted in 14-year-old cold case is arrested after making simple mistake
A suspect wanted for murder in a 14-year-old cold case has been arrested by Florida police after making a simple driving mistake.
Timothy Hickerson, 43, was pulled over by officers in Palm Coast after running a red light on Old Kings Road.
Hickerson’s arrest was captured on a police body camera as he was ordered out of his white pickup truck by officers with the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office.
The surprise on Hickerson’s face was clear when police told him that not only was he getting a ticket for running a red light, but he was also being arrested on an outstanding warrant for a 2010 murder in Virginia.
Timothy Hickerson, 43, was pulled over by officers in Palm Coast after running a red light on Old Kings Road in Palm Coast, Florida
Hickerson’s arrest was captured on a police body camera as he was ordered out of his white pickup truck by officers with the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office
Over the years, Shane Donahue’s family and friends have never stopped searching for him, putting up signs, holding vigils, and celebrating his birthday every August
Hickerson is the prime suspect in the murder of 23-year-old Shane Donahue in Nokesville, Virginia.
Donahue was last seen leaving his parents’ home an hour’s drive southwest of Washington, D.C., 14 years earlier in March 2010.
Donahue is presumed dead, but his body has never been found and the case is frozen.
But recently the case was reopened after new information was provided to investigators.
According to the sheriff’s office, Hickerson was seen leaving Donahue’s parents’ home and later returning to the victim’s home.
Hickerson is seen in a booking photo from the Flagler County Jail
Police told Hickerson that in addition to being ticketed for running a red light, he was also arrested on an outstanding warrant for a 2010 murder in Virginia.
Although the case has cooled down, friends and family have long hoped for a breakthrough
He was also linked to a burglary at Donahue’s home days before the victim disappeared.
No motive has been given as to why Hickerson killed Donahue, nor is there any further information about where his remains might be.
Hickerson will remain in the Flagler County Jail until he can be extradited to Virginia.
“This shows that there is no such thing as a simple traffic stop. This ended with a fugitive running into justice who was wanted for a murder that occurred over 14 years ago,” said Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly.
“If you are a fugitive, we will catch you, no matter where you fled from, and we will take you to prison.”