KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WOKI)— A fugitive wanted on multiple murder charges in Indiana is behind bars after being located and arrested by the United States Marshals Service Smoky Mountains Fugitive Task Force in Knoxville on Thursday evening.
Authorities identified the suspect as Joshua Wade Smith, 19, who is also known by the aliases “Jaymurdah” and “J-Murda.”
According to the U.S. Marshals Service, Smith was wanted in Wayne County, Indiana, on warrants charging him with two counts of murder, three counts of attempted murder, armed robbery, two counts of robbery resulting in serious bodily injury and two counts of burglary.
Investigators say the charges stem from a violent home invasion and robbery attempt that occurred on Sept. 28, 2026, in the 800 block of South East Street in Richmond, Indiana.
Authorities allege Smith fired multiple rounds through the front door of a residence, striking three juvenile females inside. Two of the victims later died from their injuries.
The Smoky Mountains Fugitive Task Force received assistance requests from the U.S. Marshals Service Great Lakes Region Fugitive Task Force in Indianapolis after investigators developed information indicating Smith had fled Indiana and traveled to Knoxville.
Officials said Smith has family connections and alleged street gang ties in Knoxville. Authorities also noted he was already known to the Knoxville Police Department and had an active warrant in Knoxville for evading arrest.
The U.S. Marshals Service said Smith has a criminal history in Tennessee that includes allegations involving burglary, evading arrest, resisting arrest and weapons violations.
After several days of investigation, task force members located Smith at a residence on Park Hill Circle in Knoxville. Assisted by the Knoxville Police Department, authorities surrounded the home and Smith surrendered following a brief standoff.
He was taken into custody without reported injuries and transported to the Knox County Jail.
Officials said the case has received significant attention in the Richmond and Indianapolis areas because of the severity of the allegations and the deaths of two juvenile victims.
Agencies participating in the investigation and arrest included the sheriff’s offices in Anderson County, Blount County, Knox County, Sevier County and Loudon County.
Smith is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
