FBI Arrests Fugitive Wanted for 1984 Murder

The FBI is announcing the arrest of Paul A. Moses, age 64, on federal charges of unlawful flight to avoid prosecution (UFAP) in connection with a 1984 murder committed in Joplin, Missouri. Moses was arrested pursuant to a federal arrest warrant charging Moses with violating Title 18, United States Code (U.S.C.) Section 1073, UFAP.

FBI agents arrested Moses this morning at approximately 10:19 a.m. in downtown San Diego without incident. Following Moses’ arrest, he was transported to the San Diego FBI Field Office, where he was fingerprinted and photographed. Moses was then transported to the Central Jail, where he remains in custody.

The federal UFAP arrest warrant issued in this matter was based upon a state of Missouri, Jasper County arrest warrant charging Moses with felony murder. The state of Missouri, Jasper County arrest warrant alleges that on or about August 11, 1984, Moses willfully, knowingly with premeditation, deliberately, and unlawfully killed a Joplin, Missouri woman. The UFAP warrant was obtained after efforts by the Joplin Missouri Police Department were unsuccessful in locating Moses within the state of Missouri. The FBI’s Kansas City Field Office, working with the Joplin Police Department, sought and obtained the federal arrest warrant based on the belief that Moses had fled the state of Missouri to avoid being prosecuted for the 1984 murder.

Investigation conducted by the Joplin Police Department and the FBI, including interviews and record checks, resulted in Moses’ arrest today in San Diego.

The public is reminded that a complaint itself is not evidence that the defendant committed the crimes charged. The defendant is presumed innocent until the government meets its burden in court of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.