A South Carolina man who allegedly killed his wife and two children in a brutal attack has been added to the FBI’s Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list for 2024. The FBI is offering a reward of up to $100,000 for information leading to the arrest of Donald Eugene Fields II, who is considered armed and extremely dangerous.
The Crime
According to the FBI, Fields is wanted for the murders of his wife, Tamara Fields, and their two children, aged 9 and 11, on January 15, 2024, in their home in Columbia, South Carolina. Fields allegedly stabbed his wife multiple times and then shot her in the head, before turning the gun on his children and shooting them as well. He then fled the scene in a stolen vehicle, which was later recovered in Charlotte, North Carolina.
The motive for the killings is unknown, but the FBI said that Fields had a history of domestic violence and drug abuse, and that he was facing charges of assault and battery, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. He also had an active restraining order against him, which he violated by entering the family home.
The Manhunt
Fields was identified as the suspect after a neighbor witnessed him leaving the crime scene and alerted the authorities. The FBI, along with the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) and the Richland County Sheriff’s Department, launched a massive manhunt for Fields, who is believed to have connections in North Carolina, Georgia, Florida, and Texas.
The FBI said that Fields is a black male, 6 feet tall, weighing 200 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes. He has tattoos on his chest, arms, and neck, including the words “Tamara” and “Fields” on his chest, and a cross on his right arm. He may be using aliases such as “Donnie”, “D”, or “Dee”.
The FBI warned that Fields is likely to resist arrest and may have access to weapons. Anyone who sees him or has information about his whereabouts is urged to contact the nearest FBI office or call 1-800-CALL-FBI. Tips can also be submitted online at tips.fbi.gov.
The Implications
Fields is the second person from South Carolina to be added to the FBI’s Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list, which was established in 1950. The first was Thomas James Holden, who was wanted for killing his wife and two of her relatives in 1950, and was captured in 1951.
The FBI said that the list is a valuable tool to raise public awareness and generate tips about the most dangerous fugitives in the country. The list is updated as needed, based on the urgency and severity of the cases, and the availability of credible information. As of February 2024, the FBI has captured 494 of the 524 fugitives who have been on the list, with 163 of them being apprehended as a result of citizen cooperation.
The addition of Fields to the list reflects the FBI’s commitment to bring justice to the victims of violent crimes and their families, and to protect the public from the most wanted criminals in the nation.
Conclusion
Donald Eugene Fields II is a South Carolina man who is wanted by the FBI for killing his wife and two children in January 2024. He is now one of the FBI’s Ten Most Wanted Fugitives for 2024, and a reward of up to $100,000 is being offered for information leading to his arrest. Fields is considered armed and extremely dangerous, and anyone who has information about his whereabouts is urged to contact the FBI or local law enforcement. Fields is the second person from South Carolina to be on the list, which has been a successful tool for the FBI to capture the most dangerous fugitives in the country since 1950.