Fugitive sought in two decades old Lauderhill murder arrested
FORT LAUDERDALE - The FBI has arrested a man sought in a two decades old murder and armed kidnapping in Lauderhill.
In December 2002, Kareem Lightbourne, who was 26 at the time, reportedly walked into the apartment of his ex-girlfriend, Monifa Smith, on NW 21st Street and fatally shot 23-year-old Kirk Ennis who had been staying with her.
"My heart is at joy because at least I don't have to wonder and wonder anymore, he has to pay the price," said Navlette Williams, the mother of Kirk Ennis. Thursday, she received a call from a detective informing her about Lightbourne's arrest.
"You have a son who passed away over 20 years? I said yes, and he went on to tell me... They extradited him back," said Williams.
Lighbourne, now 47, showed up in Broward's Bond Court Thursday morning. He declined from having a public defender and said he would hire a private attorney.
Back in 2002, Lighborne allegedly kidnapped SmithLighborne then allegedly kidnapped Smith and her two-year-old son at gunpoint. Smith and her son were able to escape about two hours later near a grocery store on State Road 7.
Lightbourne later fled the state.
After learning of Lightbourne's flight, the FBI obtained a federal "unlawful flight to avoid prosecution" warrant for his arrest.
According to documents from the Broward Sheriff's Office, Lighbourne had flown to Turks and Caicos Island. However, agents from the FBI arrested him recently in the Dominican Republic.
CBS News Miami's Ivan Taylor asked Ms. Williams, "What do you want now, as the mom of the victim?"
"Justice! I need justice. I need to know the reason why they killed him. Why? They set up and killed him," said Williams.
Lightbourne is being held at Broward's main jail. His bond hearing was reset for Friday so he could contact his family and hire a private attorney.