DSS Returns Double Homicide Suspect to U.S.

Bureau of Diplomatic Security
U.S. Department of State
Washington, DC

August 4, 2003

Adib “Eddie” Ramez Makdessi, formerly of Virginia Beach and a fugitive from U.S. law enforcement, was located and returned to the United States by the Diplomatic Security Service on July 22. Makdessi was wanted for the 1996 murder of his wife, Elise Makdessi, and one of her co-workers, Quincy Brown.

Makdessi originally claimed that he and his wife were ambushed in their home, he was knocked unconscious and awoke to find Brown stabbing his wife. Makdessi stated he shot Brown with a gun from his wife’s nightstand. After several years of investigation, Makdessi was indicted with the first-degree murders of his wife and her co-worker in 2001. He then fled the country.

Law enforcement authorities contacted the DSS, which located Makdessi in Russia. However, no extradition treaty exists between the United States and Russia, so securing a provisional warrant was not possible.  There was nothing law enforcement could do.

However, Makdessi, contacted a Virginia Beach reporter in October 2002 stating he would possibly surrender. The rules applying to extradition and deportation do not apply for voluntary surrenders.

Immediately afterwards, Russian State Security arrested Madkessi and confiscated his passport.  After his passport was returned, Makdessi revisited the U.S. Embassy in Moscow on July 14, 2003, and stated that he still wished to return to the United States to deal with his legal issues. 

The Diplomatic Security Service and the U.S. Marshals Service sent agents to Moscow to oblige him. A trial date for Makdessi has not been determined.

[Regional release by the Bureau of Diplomatic Security, Public Affairs: released August 4, 2003.]