Mattydale (WSYR-TV) – A fugitive murder suspect was arrested Thursday afternoon in Mattydale, and the mother of the victim says she feels a sense of relief.
Syracuse Police began looking for 23-year-old Tyrone Loftin of Ellis Street in Syracuse after his victim, Clarence Lucas, died from stab wounds sustained in a March 17 fight on Pulaski Street.
The altercation between Loftin and his victim began as a verbal fight over a woman both had dated. It was the second fight of its kind between the two men. The previous fight took place a year earlier.
"During the course of this struggle he stabbed Lucas multiple times, which caused his death," Syracuse Police Chief Frank Fowler explained at a Thursday evening press conference.
Loftin eluded police for weeks, but officers intensified their search after learning that he intended to leave the Syracuse area.
The police used tips from their street sources to find Loftin in an apartment in the Orchard Estates complex in Mattydale. Police say a different woman was in the apartment on Roxboro Circle when Loftin was arrested. He did not put up a fight.
People who were close to Lucas say they are feeling numb and having difficulties believing he is gone. His mother, Wendy Lucas, told NewsChannel 9 that Clarence had his own personal struggles and made some poor choices, but he was just starting to feel hopeful about his life.
Wendy Lucas says the arrest of the man accused of killing her son has brought her some relief.
Lucas' friends say they will always remember his smile.
"That's why we called him happy, cause he was always happy," said Johndell Johnson.
Tyrone Loftin already had a long criminal past, and now has to face the charge of second degree murder.
The investigation is ongoing and Police say anyone found to have sheltered Loftin after the crime could face charges.
