A Rhode Island man wanted for the murder of a Kneeland woman has been arrested in Santa Cruz.

Austin Michael Medeiros, age 27, was taken into custody by the Santa Cruz Harbor Patrol on April 10, 2022, at approximately 4 p.m. for reportedly attempting to steal a boat. Medeiros was transferred into the custody of the Santa Cruz Police Department (SCPD). During a search of Medeiros incident to arrest, SCPD officers reportedly located a loaded stolen firearm and approximately 29.3 grams of psychedelic mushrooms in Medeiros’ possession.

Medeiros is currently being held in the Santa Cruz County Jail on fresh charges of grand theft (PC 487(A)), carrying a loaded stolen firearm (PC 25850(C)(2)) and possession/transportation of a controlled substance (HS 11391). He is pending extradition to Humboldt County on warrant charges of murder (PC 187(A)), evading a peace officer (VC 2800.2(A)), assault (PC 240), battery (PC 242) and possession of a controlled substance (HS 11377(A)). His bail has been set at $1 million.

Anyone with information about this case or related criminal activity is encouraged to call the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office at (707) 445-7251 or the Sheriff’s Office Crime Tip line at (707) 268-2539.

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Austin Michael Medeiros Booking Photo | Santa Cruz County Jail