Stephen Craig Campbell, a man on the run for 43 years after an alleged bombing, was apprehended in Weed, New Mexico, on February 19, 2025. The bombing suspect is now 76 years old and was brought back into custody after escaping an attempted first-degree murder in 1983.
An investigation conducted by the FBI found that Campbell has been using a deceased man’s identity to fly under the authorities’ radar. He allegedly assumed the identity of Walter Lee Coffman, who died years before the bombing incident. Authorities apprehended Campbell, confirmed his identity, and charged him with misuse of a passport for which he could face upward of 10 years.ย
The 1982 Bombing
According to the U.S. Attorneyโs Office, Campbell was arrested after allegedly placing a toolbox that contained an explosive device on the doorstep of his estranged wife’s boyfriend. His wife opened the toolbox, setting off the device. She survived but lost a finger and had several other injuries. The bombing also set fire to the home and a neighborโs. Campbell was charged with first-degree murder and was let out on bond in 1983. He failed to appear back in court; therefore, a warrant was issued for his arrest.
FBI Investigation
All the facts provided are alleged until Campbell faces a court of law. In 1984, Campbell applied for a passport under Coffman’s name, which he renewed many times. Upon renewal, he provided a photo of himself and his current address. It is not confirmed if Campbell and Coffman knew one another, but it is assumed they did. They both attended the same university around the same time while pursuing the same degree. When Coffman died at age 22 after he graduated, Campbell might have seen an opportunity.ย
In 1995, Campbell used an Oklahoma driverโs license in Coffmanโs name to obtain a social security card. By 2003, he had moved to Weed, New Mexico, and purchased property also in Coffmanโs name. He continued to renew his passport in 2005 and 2015 using his address in New Mexico. The fraudulent activity came to a head in September 2019 when Campbell went to renew his driverโs license. Agents from the National Passport Center’s Fraud Prevention Unit found out about Coffmanโs passing, which led to a full-blown investigation.ย
During the investigation of the bombing suspect, they found he was awarded Social Security Retirement benefits under Coffmanโs name. He allegedly received approximately $140,000 from the government in retirement benefits. They also found out he had been arrested in Wyoming in 1982 for the alleged bombing attack. On February 14, 2025, authorities organized their arrest operation and obtained warrants to enter the property. Five days later, they paid Campbell a visit, and he welcomed them armed with a scoped rifle.ย
Final Thoughts
Campbell has been charged with misuse of a passport, but that does not dismiss the bombing charges from 1982. Authorities are looking into all potential charges, but they currently include first-degree attempted murder, misuse of a passport, making a firearm, and possession of an unregistered firearm. He evaded authorities for over four decades and will finally face the consequences of his actions. He will remain in custody without bond until his trial starts, which has yet to be scheduled.ย
It took over five years for the authorities to finish their investigation and start making arrests. It is insane to think this man has been able to weasel around a crime he committed over 40 years ago. This man has been able to continue living his life as if he was not on the U.S. Marshalโs Most Wanted List. Stephen Craig Campbell is an intelligent man, which is such an insult to mankind because of how despicable he is.
