Murder Suspect Apprehended in New York

’s Homicide Detectives, members of the New York/New Jersey Regional Fugitive Task Force and the U.S. Marshall’s Office have apprehended a suspect wanted in connection with a 2009 Spring Lake, North Carolina murder.

28-year Tobijah (Toe-by-juh) Nelson is charged with accessory after the fact to the murder of a U.S. Army soldier and the injury of another soldier, who was the victim’s friend. 

Investigators have appeared on numerous network affiliates in hopes of locating Nelson.  Their latest was America’s Most Wanted on January 29, 2011 and witnesses confirmed seeing Nelson in the New York City area.  Nelson is a Jamaican national and has been in the United States illegally.  

On March 29, 2009 Nelson and an accomplice, 24-year old Demar Bryan were regular customers at the Ikola Jamaican Lounge in Spring Lake.  An argument broke out outside the club between Bryan and a black female, according to the Cumberland County Sheriff's Office.  Afterwards, the victim, 27-year old Charles Clemens, who was assigned to Fort Hood, Texas was attending a birthday party at the club, intervened to the defense of the female and became involved in a verbal argument with Bryan.  Once inside the club, Clemens was shot to death by Bryan while on the dance floor.  Clemens was home on leave from Afghanistan and was due to return to war the following week.  Also injured in the gunfire was Clemens friend, Arthur Mwebe (Muh-way-bay). 

Bryan was arrested several months later by Homicide detectives in Seabring, Florida heading south toward Miami.  He had a false identification and claimed to be relocating to the Miami area.  Bryan was later extradited to Cumberland County, North Carolina and is currently awaiting trail on murder charges.

Nelson was apprehended today in Queens, New York.  He’s being without bond at the Queens House Correctional Facility for men.  He is awaiting extradition to North Carolina.