Westchester Fugitive Extradited to NY from Jamaica

Gifton Cousins, also known as Michael Cousins, was a wanted man for nearly 20 years, accused of a 1996 murder at a country club in Pelham Manor, NY, when he was a golf caddy.

In September of that year, Cousins got into an argument and altercation with a fellow caddy, a 23-year-old named Jason Campbell, and he pulled out a knife and stabbed Campbell to death, according to prosecutors.

Cousins, now 48, fled the country and ended up in Jamaica. He was found there this year, and late last week he was brought back to the United States, landing at Westchester County Airport, to finally stand trial for Campbell’s murder, a crime he is accused of committing at the Pelham Country Club when he was 29.

According to Westchester County District Attorney Janet DiFiore, Cousins was arraigned on an indictment charging him with:

• one count of Murder in the Second Degree, a class “A” Felony and
• one count of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Fourth Degree, a class “A” Misdemeanor.

This time, he won’t get the chance to flee to St. Andrews, Jamaica, which he lists as his home, because he has been remanded to Westchester County Jail. His next court date is Dec. 2.

DiFiore did not go into detail about what the two men argued about back in 1996, but after he was stabbed, “Campbell managed to stumble into the Pro Shop at the golf course where he collapsed.”

An ambulance was called, but Campbell later died at New Rochelle Hospital.

“[Cousins] ran in the direction of Boston Post Road,” said DiFiore in a statement. “A K-9 officer with the Pelham Manor Police Department discovered the knife while in pursuit of Cousins. DNA traces discovered on the knife belonged to Campbell.”

He has been a fugitive ever since.

Cousins pleaded not guilty at his arraignment, but if convicted he faces a maximum sentence of 25 years to life in state prison.

Photo: Gifton Cousins, also known as Michael Cousins. Photo credit: Westchester County District Attorney’s office