Wanted Suspect in December Murder Captured 2,500 Miles Away

A murder suspect wanted in Tuscaloosa for a December slaying at a local apartment complex has been captured 2,500 miles away in Washington State.

Captain Jack Kennedy, the commander of the Tuscaloosa Violent Crimes Unit, told local media that police believe 50-year-old Cedric McClinton, Jr. fatally shot Cornelius Terrell Smith, 37, at Forrester Gardens apartments on James I. Harrison Apartments on December 11th.

McClinton was developed as a suspect very quickly, but eluded capture until last week, when he was located in Kent, Washington.

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"On February 5th, Cedric McClinton was taken into custody by the Kent Police Department in Washington State," Kennedy said. "McClinton is currently in custody and awaiting extradition procedures, after which he will be returned to Tuscaloosa. McClinton will then be committed to the Tuscaloosa County Jail on no bond per Aniah’s Law."

Here in Tuscaloosa, McClinton is charged with one count of murder, one count of attempted murder and discharging a firearm into an unoccupied vehicle.

For more coverage of crime & court news in west Alabama, stay connected to the Tuscaloosa Thread.