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Double murder suspect on the run 4 days nabbed in Fredericksburg

Posted at 11:32 PM, Feb 27, 2013
and last updated 2013-02-28 11:35:03-05

SPOTSYLVANIA, Va. (WTVR) - John Jeffries, in cuffs and a blue jumpsuit, went straight from a Spotsylvania cruiser to an interrogation room.

The convicted sex offender was on the run for more than 96 hours and had some choice words as our cameras rolled.  "Mr. Jeffries do you have anything to say?” I asked.  “BLEEP you!" came his terse response.

The 60-year-old Jeffries’ run from the law ended at a Fredericksburg apartment complex Wednesday afternoon.  “The FBI Safe Street task force spotted him coming out of a residence in the neighborhood and he was taken into custody without incident," said Spotsylvania Capt. Jeff Pearce.

Jeffries has warrants on file in Spotsylvania for abduction, attempted malicious wounding and strangulation.  Sheriff Roger Harris said at a news conference that it took a team effort to capture a dangerous man.  “I have to thank members of the media and the public for assisting our agencies with the apprehension of this dangerous convicted felon," said Harris.

Jeffries is also wanted in connection with the murders of Ethel and Nelson Slack in nearby Fauquier County.  According to sources, the couple was found bound, gagged and beaten to death inside their Bunker Hill home Sunday morning.

In addition, the Fredericksburg Police Dept. says he's also a suspect in a home invasion in their city and they claim a visible cut on his nose is a clue.  "In the home invasion Saturday night the injury to his face is consistent to where the victim says he hit him with the oxygen bottle," said Capt. Jim Kuebler.

It’s a trail of felonies which authorities say they will work out the charges for over the next few days.  Meanwhile at the apartments where he was captured, several neighbors said it was a scene they won't forget.  “He was hiding behind the trees over there," said Mustafa Gunduz pointing to woods about 50 feet away.

“[I feel] a lot of relief at this point,” said Ivo Sphere, and apartment resident.  “It was too close to home."

The manhunt is over but there's still a lot of work to do that’s what we heard several times Wednesday night.  When asked if those living in the apartment where Jeffries was found will be charged with aiding and abetting, police say it's too early to tell.