Stacy Lee Drake is a name that has become synonymous with a series of violent and alarming crimes spanning multiple states, creating a sense of urgency and fear within the affected communities. At 50 years old, Drake’s criminal activities have painted a disturbing picture of a man deeply enmeshed in a life of crime.
Drake’s life before these recent events remains less publicized, but what is clear is his rapid descent into violent crime. His criminal activities include aggravated robbery, carjacking, and various other violent offenses. These charges indicate a longstanding propensity for criminal behavior, characterized by violence and a blatant disregard for the law. Each offense added to a growing dossier that law enforcement agencies would later use to connect the dots in their investigation of more serious crimes.
Past Criminal Crimes
One of the key elements of Drake’s criminal past is his involvement in aggravated robbery. This crime typically involves the use of a weapon or the threat of violence to steal from victims, highlighting Drake’s willingness to use force to achieve his aims. Such actions not only endangered his immediate victims but also created a broader sense of insecurity within the communities he targeted.
Carjacking is another significant component of Drake’s criminal history. This offense involves forcibly taking a vehicle from its driver, often using violence or intimidation. Carjacking not only showcases Drake’s violent tendencies but also his need for mobility to evade law enforcement. It suggests a methodical approach to his criminal activities, as he utilized stolen vehicles to escape detection and continue his unlawful pursuits.
Previous reports Of Assault And Battery
Drake’s history of violence extends beyond these offenses, with multiple reports of assault and battery. These incidents further underscore his pattern of violent behavior and his willingness to inflict harm on others. The cumulative effect of these crimes contributed to his notoriety and the urgency with which law enforcement pursued his capture.
The investigation into Drake’s criminal past also revealed a pattern of evasion and attempts to avoid accountability. His ability to cross state lines and commit crimes in different jurisdictions made him a challenging target for law enforcement. This aspect of his behavior necessitated a coordinated effort among various agencies to track his movements and apprehend him.
Why Was He Out On The Streets?
Stacy Lee Drake’s release from prison, despite his original 22-year sentence in 2010, resulted from legal developments and a significant Supreme Court decision that changed how his prior offenses were classified.
Drake initially received a lengthy sentence because, on February 21, 2010, authorities accused him of holding a man at gunpoint and taking his wallet and truck in Alabama. Consequently, this crime led to a federal court indictment for carjacking, brandishing a firearm, and being a felon in possession of a firearm, largely due to his previous convictions in Arizona from 1994 and 2003.
Drake pleaded guilty to these charges, and as a result, the court sentenced him as an Armed Career Criminal under the Armed Career Criminal Act (ACCA) and Career Offender guidelines, leading to a 22-year prison term. This enhanced sentence was due to the “three strikes law,” which increases penalties for individuals convicted of a third felony. Moreover, Drake’s criminal history, including his 1994 and 2003 convictions, significantly contributed to the severity of his sentence.
Supreme Court Decision Change Violent Felony Definition
However, the Supreme Court’s decision shifted the legal interpretation of what constitutes a “violent felony” under the ACCA. In June 2016, Drake argued that his enhanced sentence was no longer valid because one of his prior Arizona convictions no longer qualified as a violent felony. He based this argument on the Supreme Court’s redefinition, which narrowed the criteria for what could be considered a violent felony under federal law.
The Court Credited The Prison Sentence Served
On March 23, 2017, a federal court granted Drake’s motion to vacate his original sentence. The court recognized that, without the career offender enhancements, it needed to reconsider his sentencing. As a result, the court resentenced Drake to just over 11 years in prison, giving him credit for the time he had already served since his arrest in 2010. This adjustment significantly reduced his time in custody, ultimately leading to his earlier-than-expected release.
Drake’s case shows how changes in legal interpretations and judicial decisions can significantly alter a criminal’s sentence. The reclassification of his previous offenses under the ACCA played a crucial role in reducing his prison term, which allowed for his much earlier release than originally planned. This development highlights the impact of evolving legal standards on sentencing and emphasizes the broader implications for individuals previously classified under outdated legal definitions.
The Manhunt For An Oklahoma Killer
The manhunt for Stacy Lee Drake was an intense, multi-state operation that demanded unprecedented coordination among law enforcement agencies across Oklahoma, Alabama, and Arkansas. This pursuit began in earnest following the discovery of the bodies of Phillip Emerson in El Reno, Oklahoma. And Tara Barnett Underwood one of the two bodies found at a business in Gans, Oklahoma. Their violent deaths, bearing clear signs of homicide, prompted the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI) to quickly identify Drake as a person of interest, setting off a manhunt that would span several weeks and cover significant ground.
Originally From Alabama
From the outset, the manhunt was marked by urgency and meticulous planning. The OSBI, working closely with local law enforcement, began piecing together Drake’s recent activities and possible whereabouts. Surveillance footage, witness statements, and forensic evidence were all critical in mapping out his movements. The situation escalated when additional links were made to Drake in Alabama, where the body of Russell Thomas Andrews was found at an Alcoholics Anonymous building in Tuscaloosa. This broadened the scope of the investigation, bringing the Tuscaloosa Police Department and the Tuscaloosa County Sheriff’s Office into the fold.
Crossing State Lines
As Drake moved across state lines, the search intensified in Arkansas when a vehicle he was suspected of stealing was found in Morrilton. This discovery suggested that Drake was actively trying to evade capture by constantly moving and changing his location. The Arkansas Department of Public Safety, along with the Morrilton Police Department, conducted exhaustive searches in and around Morrilton. Reports of Drake purchasing camping gear indicated that he was prepared for a prolonged evasion, complicating the efforts of law enforcement.
Throughout the manhunt, the seamless cooperation between agencies was paramount. Regular updates and strategy sessions ensured that all involved parties were on the same page, sharing critical information in real time. Advanced technology played a crucial role in this process, allowing for the swift exchange of data and coordination of efforts. The combined resources and expertise of these agencies were essential in maintaining the momentum of the search and keeping the pressure on Drake.
Authorities Found Him Near A Motel
The turning point in the manhunt came when authorities, acting on fresh intelligence, located Drake near a motel in Morrilton. His capture was carefully planned to minimize risks, and the operation was executed with precision. The arrest marked the culmination of weeks of tireless work by law enforcement officers who had committed themselves to bringing Drake to justice.
This manhunt was not just a pursuit of a single individual but a demonstration of the capabilities and determination of modern law enforcement. It highlighted the complexities of tracking a suspect across multiple jurisdictions and the importance of collaboration and resource sharing. The successful apprehension of Stacy Lee Drake provided a measure of relief to the communities affected by his crimes and underscored the effectiveness of coordinated, multi-agency efforts in tackling serious criminal threats.
His Arrest
His capture took place in Morrilton, Arkansas, by the combined efforts of the Morrilton Police Department and Arkansas State Police. This significant breakthrough came after weeks of relentless pursuit and investigation following his suspected involvement in multiple violent crimes, including homicides and carjackings, across Oklahoma and other states.
The arrest unfolded after authorities tracked Drake to a motel in Morrilton. Given the violent nature of his alleged crimes and his history of evasion, the capture was executed with meticulous planning to ensure the safety of the officers and the public.
His Charges In Oklahoma
Following his arrest, Drake faced a litany of serious charges. In Oklahoma, he was charged with multiple counts of murder, specifically related to the brutal deaths of Phillip Emerson, Tara Barnett Underwood and John Doe. These charges were based on substantial forensic evidence and witness testimonies linking him to the crime scene. Additionally, he faced charges of aggravated robbery and carjacking, reflecting a pattern of violent behavior and criminal activities.
His Charges In Alabama
In Alabama, Drake was also a person of interest in the suspicious death of Russell Thomas Andrews, found at an Alcoholics Anonymous building in Tuscaloosa. The investigation there added to the severity of his criminal profile, indicating a spree of violence that had spread across state lines. The cumulative weight of these charges underscored the urgent need to bring him to justice and prevent further potential harm.
Drake’s capture marked a significant moment in the pursuit of justice for the victims and their families. The arrest brought a sense of relief to the communities affected by his crimes, demonstrating the effectiveness of coordinated law enforcement efforts. His criminal history, characterized by escalating violence and evasion tactics, painted a portrait of a dangerous individual whose arrest was imperative for public safety.
His Bond
Post-arrest, the judicial process began to build a comprehensive case against Drake. Prosecutors worked closely with investigators to compile evidence, including forensic data, eyewitness accounts, and Drake’s own statements. This process aimed to ensure a robust prosecution that would hold him accountable for his actions. The charges he faced were not only a reflection of his alleged crimes but also a testament to the collective resolve of law enforcement agencies to seek justice for the victims.
In conclusion, Stacy Lee Drake’s arrest was a critical milestone in a complex and far-reaching investigation. The charges against him, spanning multiple violent crimes, highlighted the gravity of his actions and the coordinated efforts of law enforcement across Oklahoma, Alabama, and Arkansas. His apprehension not only brought a measure of justice to the victims but also reinforced the commitment of law enforcement to protect and serve their communities.
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FAQ about Stacy Lee Drake
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Hey there! My name is Olivia Ramirez, I graduated from Sam Houston State University with a bachelor’s of science in Psychology. I can’t help but scour the web for crime news and interesting stories. I write mostly true crime, anything from white collar crimes to the tragic murders across America. I try to mix in local news updates with big hitting scandals.
When I’m not typing away or searching for crime news, you’ll find me in bookstores looking for the new books to add to my backlog. Hanging out with my family or just relaxing with some cozy games to unwind from the day.
