From the desk of Sheriff Bryson Meyers:
*** HOMICIDE ARREST *****
On September 24, 2024, deputies responded to East Main Street, Kitzmiller, for a reported homicide/arson. Upon the arrival of the fire department, they located the victim, Juanita Katherine James, 70 years old, deceased in the rear of the residence. The victim succumbed as a result of a gunshot wound.
As a result of the investigation, Nikolas Patrick James, 46 years old, Sioux Falls, South Dakota, was developed as a suspect, and an arrest warrant was obtained by Detectives with the Criminal Investigation Division, charging him with First Degree Murder, First Degree Arson, and using a firearm during the commission of a felony.
On September 24, 2024, the suspect was located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where he was placed under arrest by Pittsburgh Police. Detectives were assisted by the Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Unit, Maryland State Fire Marshals Office, Maryland State Police McHenry, and the Pittsburgh Police. Sheriff Meyers, stated, “that the successful closure to this case was the result of a collaborative effort between multiple police agencies and jurisdictions. The hard work and dedication of the detectives and officers involved helped bring this case to a successful and quick closure.”
Nikolas Patrick James is currently incarcerated in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where he will be awaiting extradition back to Garrett County, Maryland.