The U.S. Marshals Service has added Olalekan Abimbola Olawusi to its list of “15 Most Wanted” people because he murdered his three-month-old son in Rhode Island. The 48-year-old Nigerian man is facing charges of first-degree murder, serious bodily injury to a child, and unlawful flight to avoid prosecution. Authorities are offering a reward of up to $25,000 for information leading to his arrest.
Tragic Incident Unfolds in Rhode Island
The case began on April 3, 2017, when emergency responders arrived at a residence in Providence, Rhode Island, and found Olawusi’s infant son in critical condition. The baby was in cardiac arrest, requiring immediate resuscitation to regain a pulse. Medical examinations revealed a total of 18 injuries in varying stages of healing, including a skull fracture, subdural hematoma, severe brain trauma, and multiple fractures to the ribs, arms, and legs. Despite being placed on life support, the child tragically passed away on October 31, 2017.
Charges Escalate to First-Degree Murder
Olawusi was initially arrested and charged with first-degree child abuse on April 20, 2017, but he was released that same day. Following the child’s death, the charges were upgraded to first-degree murder. Law enforcement officials began searching for Olawusi, but by then, he had already fled the United States. Records show that Olawusi departed on June 20, 2017, using his Nigerian passport through John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York.
Manhunt and Concerns Over Public Safety
The U.S. Marshals Service suspects that Olawusi may be receiving assistance from family members in Nigeria and believes he could pose a danger to other children. “Mr. Olawusi is wanted for the abuse and murder of an innocent child and has fled the country to avoid justice,” said U.S. Marshals Service Director Ronald L. Davis. “We have placed Mr. Olawusi on our 15 Most Wanted list due to the heinous crimes he’s committed and the threat he continues to pose to the public. The USMS will exhaust all resources necessary to bring him to justice for his family and the community.”
Public Appeal and “15 Most Wanted” Programme
Olawusi, who may also go by the alias “Olekun Olawusi,” is described as approximately 5 feet 8 inches tall, weighing around 185 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes. Anyone with information on his whereabouts is urged to contact the U.S. Marshals at 1-877-WANTED2 (926-8332) or via the USMS Tips App.
The “15 Most Wanted” program, launched in 1983, spotlights some of the most dangerous fugitives in the U.S. These individuals typically have significant criminal records and pose serious threats to public safety. To date, the program has contributed to the capture of over 250 fugitives.
In fiscal year 2023, the U.S. Marshals Service, in cooperation with federal, state, tribal, and local agencies, arrested over 73,000 fugitives and closed nearly 86,000 warrants. The search for Olawusi represents the Marshals Service’s ongoing commitment to apprehending fugitives and securing justice.
