Police think drug suspect may be linked to string of homicides

<p>Authorities are trying to determine if up to seven homicides can be linked to a suspected drug dealer who has been on the run for more than three years.</p><p>Craig Petties, 28, is charged with running a drug operation that brought large amounts of marijuana and cocaine to Memphis as well as to the Jackson, Miss., and Atlanta areas.</p><p>Petties was indicted in 2002 on drug and money laundering charges. While he has evaded arrest, authorities have seized property from him that included 20 luxury vehicles and two houses worth a total of $1 million.</p><p>Petties is on the U.S. Marshals Service's most wanted list and has been featured on TV's "America's Most Wanted."</p><p>Now, investigators say a string of homicides in Memphis may be linked to Petties. The victims knew each other and grew up in his old neighborhood.</p><p>The latest was Mario Steward, 28, who was shot to death at his residence Tuesday.</p><p>Stewart testified last year before a grand jury that indicted another man, Tabius Pride, 23, in the shooting death of Antonio "Big Wayne" Allen, a suspected drug dealer. Petties also was wanted for questioning in that killing.</p><p>Stewart was listed as an unindicted coconspirator in the drug indictment against Petties.</p><p>Stewart's wife, Martina Stewart, said her husband had asked for police protection.</p><p>"He asked for protective custody," she said. "Now, I fear for my own life."</p><p>Investigators say they are also looking into the deaths of two Memphis residents whose bodies were found in February in a sport-utility vehicle abandoned in a field in rural Haywood County, north of Memphis.</p><p>The victims, James Mabry and Angela Macklin, both 30, were bound with duct tape before being shot, authorities say.</p><p>Early this month, Marquel Forster, 30, and Jack Sledge, 34, were found shot to death at a Memphis residence.</p><p>Natasha Rossell, 24, also was shot at the residence but was still alive when police arrived to investigate a shooting report. She died on the way to the hospital.</p><p>U.S. Attorney Terry Harris said Memphis police, sheriff's investigators and federal agents are working together on the Petties investigation.</p><p>Petties, 28, is of slight build and goes by the name "Little Dude" or "Little Craig." Police say he is a member of the Gangster Disciples, a notorious street gang known for violence.</p><p>Authorities say Petties has also lived in Las Vegas and traveled to California, Florida and Atlanta.</p><p>"He is alleged to have millions of dollars saved and contacts in Mexico who may assist him in evading capture," says a wanted poster put out by the marshals service.</p><p>___</p><p>HASH(0x2865638)</p>

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