Tonto Basin, Arizona -  The search for escaped Arizona murder suspects, Blane and Susan Barksdale, ended yesterday evening when the U.S. Marshals Service and law enforcement partners took them into custody at a residence in Tonto Basin, Arizona. The U.S. Marshals Service had recently added Blane Barksdale to its 15 Most Wanted list.

“We are relieved to have the Barksdales in custody. Law enforcement teamwork and support from concerned communities led to their capture,” said Director Donald Washington. “The Marshals Service did not rest until these violent offenders were off the streets to face justice.”
 
The U.S. Marshals, with assistance from our Federal, State and Local Law Enforcement partners tracked the Barksdale’s to the area of Tonto Basin, Arizona, which is a town located just north of Roosevelt Lake. After identifying the house in question, approximately 50 officers from multiple agencies surrounded the residence and secured the area. Susan Barksdale surrendered quickly and peacefully to authorities, however Blane Barksdale initially refused to come out of the residence. When Blane finally did step out he began ignoring officer’s commands and resisting arrest and less-than-lethal means were deployed to assure his safe capture. Blane was taken into custody without further incident and was cleared by medical personnel at the scene. Susan and Blane were transported to an area jail to await extradition back to Tucson to face first-degree murder charges. 
 
U.S. Marshal for the District of Arizona David Gonzales said, “The 16 day intensive manhunt for Blane and Susan Barksdale ended last night. Their arrest in Tonto Basin, a remote and secluded area of Arizona, was the direct result from tips from the public in addition to federal, state, and local law enforcement working as a team.”
 
The U.S. Marshals would like to thank the public and the following agencies for their assistance in locating and apprehending the Barksdale’s: Federal Bureau of Investigation, Arizona Department of Public
Safety, Glendale Police Department, Mesa Police Department, Maricopa County Adult Probation, Arizona Department of Corrections, Navajo County Sheriff’s Office, Gila County Sheriff’s Office, Tempe Police Department, Pinal County Sheriff’s Office, Surprise Police Department, Apache County Sheriff’s Office, Show Low Police Department, Phoenix Police Department, Drug Enforcement Administration, Chandler Police Department and Tucson Police Department.