A house fire on East Main Street in Kitzmiller, Maryland, on the morning of September 24, 2024, led firefighters to a grim discovery in the rear of the residence: 79-year-old Juanita Katherine James was dead. Investigators determined the fire was not the cause of death; she had suffered a fatal gunshot wound and her death was ruled a homicide.

Juanita was a well-known local artist whose work was displayed around the community; she was remembered for her kindness and support of local events and projects. Authorities quickly identified a suspect, 46-year-old Nikolas Patrick James of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, who reports say is related to Juanita. A regional manhunt was launched, and law enforcement agencies coordinated across jurisdictions.

Later the same day, Pittsburgh Police located and arrested Nikolas Patrick James without incident in Pittsburgh. He was held in Pittsburgh pending extradition to Garrett County and faces charges including First Degree Murder, First Degree Arson, and use of a firearm during the commission of a felony.