Man Wanted for East Cleveland Murder and Summit County Rape Arrested by U.S. Marshals in Dayton

Dayton, OH – United States Marshal Michael Black of the Southern District of Ohio and United States Marshal Pete Elliott of the Northern District of Ohio announce the arrest of John Lamar Armstrong, 50. Armstrong was wanted by the East Cleveland Police Department for aggravated murder, and the Summit County Sheriff’s Office for rape.

On February 4, 2025, Juvar King, 46, of Warren, Ohio was reported missing after he failed to pick up his daughters. On March 17, 2025, the East Cleveland Police Department discovered King’s body located outside a home at the corner of Chapman Avenue and Terrace Road in East Cleveland. According to the Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner, King was fatally shot in the head. Armstrong was later identified as being involved in this deadly incident and a warrant for aggravated murder was issued for his arrest. Additionally, in May of 2025, the Summit County Sheriff’s Office issued a warrant for Armstrong for rape of a juvenile.

The fugitive investigation for Armstrong, led by the Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force (NOVFTF), developed information that Armstrong had fled northeast Ohio.  Today, members of the Southern Ohio Fugitive Apprehension Strike Team (SOFAST) and the NOVFTF arrested Armstrong in Dayton, OH. As task force members made their approach to an address in the 3600 block of Delphos Ave. to arrest Armstrong, a round was fired from a firearm inside the residence and out the front door towards officers. SWAT was activated and eventually took command of the scene and ultimately took Armstrong into custody. Armstrong will remain in custody in Dayton until he can be extradited back to northeast Ohio for the charges against him.  

U.S. Marshal Michael Black stated, “This violent fugitive fled from Northern Ohio to Dayton and then took drastic actions that put our task force members lives at risk. Our task force members are experienced and well trained to operate in chaotic and dangerous situations like today. One member of law enforcement on scene suffered a minor laceration to the leg, but thankfully no one was seriously injured.”

U.S. Marshal Pete Elliott stated, “Our fugitive task force is comprised of the best officers from all over the state of Ohio. Outstanding collaborative efforts by both U.S. Marshals task forces in northern and southern Ohio resulted in a dangerous fugitive being taken off the streets today.”

Anyone with information concerning a wanted fugitive can contact the Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force at 1-866-4WANTED (1-866-492-6833), or you can submit a web tip. Reward money is available, and tipsters may remain anonymous.  Follow the U.S. Marshals on Twitter @USMSCleveland.