The male victim from the Moorhead homicide on April 13 was positively identified by the Ramsey County Medical Examiner’s Office as 39-year-old James Earl Hamilton. Hamilton died from multiple gunshot wounds. Jerome Anthony Thomas III was previously identified as a suspect in the homicide.
Thomas III fled the scene in a mint green Chevrolet Trax, with temporary Indiana registration T194928. A juvenile male was in close proximity when Hamilton was shot. Investigators also learned that Thomas III shot at another individual near the 2400 block of 14 Street South.
The Moorhead Police Department in coordination with the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension were able identify a location where the suspect was possibly in hiding. Assistance was requested from the Ishpeming, Michigan Police Department after it was discovered that the suspect was believed to be in an area just north of that city. The Michigan State Police also assisted and took a primary investigative role.
In collaboration with the Clay County Attorney’s Office, probable cause for arrest was established for Thomas III and a female accomplice, identified as 32-year-old Abby Nicole Fredrickson of Moorhead, Minnesota. Nationwide arrest warrants were issued for Thomas III and Fredrickson in relation to the ongoing homicide investigation.
On April 14 around 1200 PM EST, the Moorhead Police Department received information from the Michigan State Police that Thomas III and Fredrickson were arrested. Both individuals were taken into custody after a traffic stop, involving the Chevrolet Trax was contacted and later seized as evidence. Both parties are being held in the Marquette County Michigan, Correctional Facility awaiting extradition.
This is an active, ongoing multi-jurisdictional investigation, that spans several states. There is no longer a threat to public safety. The Moorhead Police Department would like to thank the Ishpeming Police Department, the Michigan State Police and the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension for their continued assistance. Additional information will be release as it becomes available.
Thomas III is charged with 4 counts:
Murder: 2nd Degree – With Intent – Not Premeditated
Murder: 2nd Degree -Drive by Shooting
Attempted Murder: 1st Degree – With Intent- While Committing a Drive by Shooting
Attempted Murder: 2nd Degree – With Intent – Not Premediated
Fredrickson is charged with a single count:
Aiding and Offender: 2nd Degree Murder Intentional
Moorhead Police Case 25008067
Sgt Joe Brannan
