He told ABC News he wants to see the Marshals find Eubanks and bring him to justice. As the Marshals have broadened their search for Eubanks, they have encountered a complicated legal landscape governing the use of DNA and so-called familial searches to assist in criminal cases. He passed away peacefully at his home in Newark,NJ. Lester will be remembered for hiscontagious smile, great sense of humor and his giving heart! [2] [3] His disappearance featured on the Netflix series Unsolved Mysteries. Market data provided by Factset. Marshals Service tipline at 866-4-WANTED. She was 78 years old. Spending time, especially the holidays and celebrating birthdays with his kids, grands and great grands was the highlight of his life. Eubanks, who is in his mid-70s, was described as a 5-foot-11-inch male with black hair and brown eyes. corner of Clinton Ave. and Van Ness Place. "I really believe we're going to catch up to this guy," Deputy U.S. Were going to do everything within our legal means to uncover the identity that Lester Eubanks is utilizing, said Peter Elliott, the U.S. Marshals seeking info on convicted child killer Lester Eubanks, More: Lester Eubanks case to be featured on Investigation Discovery. Newly unearthed photos may hold clues in the hunt for a child killer who's been on the run for nearly half a century, and who could be living in Southern California. At various times, authorities suspect he might have lived in Gardena, South Los Angeles, Long Beach and North Hollywood. All they knew was that it had to be pre-planned. Would love your thoughts, please comment. Chloe Atkins reports for the NBC News Investigative Unit, based in New York. "We just need to talk to those people," he told KABC. He believes his late mother was raped by Eubanks. The USMS established the 15 Most Wanted Fugitive Program in 1983 to prioritize investigation & apprehension of some of the countrys most dangerous fugitives. Convicted murderer Lester Eubanks, whose escape from custody was detailed in the "Death Row Fugitive" episode of Netflix's "Unsolved Mysteries Vol. "Anytime you talk about this case, it is appalling . According to the Rolling Stone, while Eubanks was allowed to go Christmas shopping on good behavior at a local mall in Columbus Ohio, he evaded the guards as their designated meeting time and escaped. But the attack on Deener on Nov. 14, 1965 is the one that landed him in prison. I think the first problem is how to get it into the database to begin with, Greely said. He was born January 26, 1999 in Athens. On November 30, 2017, Lester A. Eubanks entered into his ultimate resting place at the age 97. ET After convicted murderer Lester Eubanks escaped from prison during the winter of 1973, his case wasn't brought to the public's attention very much again until a 1994 episode of America's Most Wanted . Marshal David Siler told Rolling Stone, Its one of those cases that you cant put down. For many years he was a faithful member of the Queen of Angels Roman Catholic Church in Newark, NJ. Powered by WordPress.com VIP. In the years that followed Lester Eubanks conviction, his execution was pushed back thrice for reasons unknown. Marshals wanted poster. The inmate was even profiled while still on Death Row in 1972 by The Columbus Dispatch in an article on incarcerated artists. This United States biographical article related to crime is a stub. Lester A. Eubanks Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information Sign In Lester A. Eubanks June 29, 1920 - November 30, 2017 Tribute Wall 6 Obituary & Events Share a memory Plant a tree Share a memory of Lester A. Eubanks Loading. Crazy!". It was the last time the 14-year-old was seen alive. Marshals to place Lester Eubanks on their 15 Most Wanted list. Kaye said the federal law that led to the creation of the national DNA database does not prohibit searches using genetic samples from relatives. It's just so disgusting, so unjust," says Siler. The three images showed Davis in glasses, her iconic afro, and a resolute stare. Though the media stunt helped raise awareness, and U.S. Marshals officially listed Eubanks on their 15 Most Wanted List, it was obvious that Lester Eubanks had heard of these developments, too. He thoroughly enjoyed bowling and spent many years on a bowling league. Mary Ellen Deener was shot and bludgeoned to death when she was 14 by Lester Eubanks. His case was the subject of an episode of Netflix's "Unsolved Mysteries. He fled the scene of the crime, passing by it 45 minutes later to discovered Deener alive and suffering through her injuries. Fugitive Lester Eubanks is seen here . The show aims to understand how anything like it couldve happened. Lester Eubanks was imprisoned in the first place for trying to rape a 14-year-old girl before shooting her to death and then bludgeoning her into a pulp with a brick. Eubanks bounced around, living at times in Gardena, South Central, Long Beach and North Hollywood. Lester shifted to be with the general population, where he made use of his smooth-talking ways to win over the guards and enter into the honor program that allowed inmates to venture out into the real world to prepare for their future. Submit a tip. Marshal David Siler said that officials also believe Eubanks worked as a janitor at St. Francis Hospital in Lynwood in the late 1980s or early '90s, according to NBC Los Angeles. While not an unsolved murder case, the culprits disappearance remains baffling. After being charged with first-degree murder while perpetrating rape, he tried to plead insanity, to no avail. 'Unsolved Mysteries' covers the case. "Fugitives on the run as long as Eubanks tend to use that time to change their appearance, use aliases, and even start new lives," Siler said, according to City News Service. After the sister alerted their grandmother and the two found the police around Deeners lifeless body. The U.S. Marshals/ ABC News U.S. . It was only 20 years after Lester escaped, in December of 1993, that a lead was finally attained. Instead, he vanished and hasnt been seen in nearly half a century. Crestview Funeral Home, Memory Gardens & Cremation 1623 Highway 109 N Gallatin, TN 37066 (615) 452-1943 Eubanks simply walked away. "He realized she was still breathing, still alive," says Siler. Audrey Cochran Eubanks, Ph.D., a longtime resident of the Rocky Creek Community near Lucedale, Mississippi, passed away on Monday, February 27, 2023 after a short illness. A captain searched the national database to check if Lester had committed an offense somewhere else, and the information had somehow not been forwarded, but what he found was even more shocking. Marshals are not deterred by the passage of time when it comes to cases like this one, said U.S. A digital composite estimating what Lester Eubanks might look like today. David Messmore said he was contacted by "America's Most Wanted" TV producers recently since he worked on the cold case at the police department. Lester Eubanks grabbed Mary Ellen as she walked . Check out what's clicking on FoxNews.com. But the escape was not over prison walls. It became the 48th state in the Union. After fleeing Ohio, Lester went to Michigan for a few weeks because he wanted to see the extent of the search against him. Reports suggest Eubanks fled to Michigan, and also spent time in Los Angeles. Lester Eubanks, one of America's most notorious fugitives, didn't need a hacksaw or a wooden gun or barter to escape confinement. ", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Lester_Eubanks&oldid=1140459173, This page was last edited on 20 February 2023, at 04:34. By the time 2 p.m. rolled around, though, Lester was long gone. Lester Eubanks is wanted by the Ohio Adult Parole Authority for escape. She was found with a handful of nickels and dimes next to her. In the Eubanks case, the man who provided DNA has asked ABC News not to identify him. Therefore, he was soon convicted for Mary Ellen Deener's 1965 slaying and was given the death penalty. She headed out to get change and never came back. "I mean it just boggles the mind," says retired Capt. After his military years Lester worked at General ServiceAdministration (GSA) where he retired. I have admiration and respect for her, he told reporters. Oct. 23, 2020 Courtesy of Netflix Among the cases featured in Unsolved Mysteries Volume 2 is that of Lester Eubanks, a convicted murderer who escaped from prison in 1973. All rights reserved. Marshals Service has unearthed new photos of people who worked and socialized with Lester Eubanks in Gardena in the mid-1970s. Eubanks was featured last year on theNetflix show "Unsolved Mysteries" in an episode titled "Death Row Fugitive.". In December 1973, Eubanks walked away from the custody of the Ohio Department of Corrections while on a temporary honor furlough to go Christmas shopping. From their union of 43 years five children were born: Michael, Sheila, James, Vincent and Catherine. This case is very unusual, said David Kaye, a Penn State Law professor who studies the use forensic science and genetics in criminal cases. 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. We are fueled by one thing, and that is justice for 14-year-old Mary Ellen Deener of Mansfield, Ohio, the innocent victim in this case.. Born April 19, 1925 to Leona Craig and William Lester Eubanks Sr, in Wilmington, N.C. his siblings Marie Eubanks Clements and Ralph Clinton Eubanks grew up in the Tar Heel State of North Carolina. [4] Marshals Service number: 866-4WANTED (866-492-6833). Other photos show a former employee known only as Rick. Lester Eubanks, 77, is believed to be in the Los Angeles area, an official with the U.S. Authorities say they are now closing in on one of the most wanted fugitives in the United States after he escaped from an Ohio prison in 1973. Marshal Service is not giving up. MANSFIELD - Mary Ellen Deener went searching for change for the laundromat on Nov. 14, 1965. She was 14 years old when she was killed. Marshals' list of its 15 most wanted fugitives, and authorities are offering $50,000 for information that directly leads to his arrest. How a convicted killer so easily escaped prison and where he might be today has since become fodder for Unsolved Mysteries. Lester Eubanks May Soon Be Caught After Nearly 50 Years on the Run By Chrissy Bobic Mar. The cold case of fugitive Lester Eubanks, who was sentenced to death in the 70s for the murder of a 14-year-old girl in Ohio but then escaped prison, has been given new energy as tips poured in . The .gov means its official. He had to start this process two or three years prior, said Siler. Ive thought about him over the years. Marshal for Northern Ohio. "You know, a little girl. S. While he has been. In December 1973, Eubanks walked away from the custody of the Ohio Department of Corrections while on a temporary honor furlough to go Christmas shopping. Lester would give you the shirt off his back and would do everything to help support hisfamily. Marshal and spokeswoman Anne Murphy of Cleveland confirmedMonday. U.S. His disappearance has plagued both authorities and the victims family for decades. By Brenna Ehrlich. pic.twitter.com/BJG0jeEUpz. On trial in 1966, Eubanks confessed to the murder yet again, not showing remorse, and he was convicted and given the death penalty for his crimes. As if her murder couldnt be any sadder, Deener had dreamt of becoming a nun. Authorities say Lester Eubanks worked and lived in Los Angeles under the alias 'Victor Young' U.S. Market data provided by Factset. Prosecutors alleged he raped and beat her then. Hes certain Lester Eubanks has likely fathered children by this point and is potentially a grandfather, as well. Because each states rules are different, the FBI prohibition is intended to take the approach least likely to run afoul of state laws. The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely. "They hadn't even putout a locator or warrant for him and I got that reinstalled in the computer system for all of the United States," he said. Marshal ServiceA digital composite estimating what Lester Eubanks might look like today. He attended his school years in the Newark School system where he eventually graduated from West Side High School. That meant Eubanks couldve been caught speeding or engaged in any other minor infraction and the officer who took his prints or ran his license wouldnt have known he was a wanted fugitive. Bayliss, Cherry R. 11 entries. Deputy U.S. I think we were probably fairly close to Lester at some point, but the tips and the technology just didnt make it where we could get close enough, said Conner. Marshals Service). Among those clues are photos that Siler recovered showing employees at a former waterbed factory in Gardena, where Eubanks worked during his early years on the run. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. 24/7 coverage of breaking news and live events. Lester Eubanks attempted to rape and then brutally beat 14-year-old Mary Ellen Deener in Mansfield, Ohio in 1965 after she ventured out on her own to get change for laundry. Marshals Service Tips. Monday, retired Mansfield police Det. Sorry, you need to enable JavaScript to visit this website. "We believe that he may have never left the Greater Los Angeles area," Deputy U.S. Plant a tree in memory of Lester An environmentally friendly option Plant a tree (U.S. Last edited on 20 February 2023, at 04:34, "Police close in on escaped child killer who's been on the run for almost 50 years", "The murderer who vanished: How one man walked away from a life sentence", "Prison Fugitive Featured on Netflix's 'Unsolved Mysteries' Sought in LA Area", "Has Netflix's "Unsolved Mysteries" helped to solve any cases? She said that he assumed the name of Victor Young and got a hunting license, which didnt require fingerprints, as his ID proof. On Friday, the 45th anniversary of the 1973 escape, the U.S. Siler said in 2017, Theres been periodic leads and tips that have put him in different places.. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Lester A. Eubanks please visit our, Blessed Sacrament St. Charles Borromeo Roman Catholic Church. But Greely said a search could be worthwhile. Lester Eubanks had a criminal history of sexual offenses prior to Mary Deeners murder. According to The Cinemaholic, Deener was walking 5 minutes from one . Springer knew Eubanks as Victor Young and says that he worked hard, kept quiet and rode a 10-speed bicycle to work. Lester Eubanks hasnt seen its grounds in nearly 50 years. Then, with the 1972 abolishment of the death penalty, his sentence was commuted to life in prison without the possibility of parole. 2017-2023 Tribute Archive. We believe that he may have never left the Greater Los Angeles area, Siler said. "This is one of these cases that you go to bed with, it's one of these cases that you wake up with. Still, Kaye said, there is room for exceptions. At the time of his disappearance, he weighed approximately 175 pounds. Lester grew up with ElizabethDudley fell in love and eventually married her. Lester will be remembered for hiscontagious smile, great sense of humor and his giving heart! "We continue to fight for her so that someday she will get justice when we're able to put Lester Eubanks in custody.". According to The Cinemaholic, Deener was walking 5 minutes from one laundromat to another to get quarters but never returned to her sister, who was waiting for her at the first laundromat. When Lester didnt show up at the assigned place at the given time, the officers searched the area, finding no trace of him anywhere. Before that, though, he had been arrested a couple of times for sexual offenses. Eubanks could have faded from public consciousness, but he was back in the news on Dec. 7, 1973, after escapingwhile Christmas shopping in Columbus on an honor assignment. Eubanks is on the U.S. "My mom called me crying that the sheriff had called her and told her that he'd escaped.". The little girl who was killed was real quiet, just a little girl," Messmore said. Eubanks confessed to the crime the next day. The case was fairly straightforward. A private service for family will be held Tuesday. Washington, DC - The reward for information leading to the arrest of wanted fugitive Lester Eubanks has been increased to $50,000, U.S. Not wanting to let it pass by, though, the captain managed to get Lesters face on Americas Most Wanted, which resulted in a tip coming in from a Los Angeles woman. Lester Eubanks. An interview with David Siler, who has been working the case since 2016. That bothers me.. Sommers, Carol Louise Orr 2 entries. An official website of the United States government. Contact USA.gov, usmarshals.gov is an official site of the U.S. Federal Government, U.S. Department of Justice. Marshals are soliciting the aid of the public to identify people pictured in newly uncovered. In 1972, the Supreme Court declared the death penalty unconstitutional, and his sentence was commuted to life in prison. On November 30, 2017, Lester A. Eubanks entered into his ultimate resting place at the age 97. Lester served in the United States Army and received an honorable discharge after 4 years of service. Then, read about the six chilling cases involving serial murderers who have never been caught. Potter, Karen Crews 3 entries. [All we need is] that one tipster, that one person that can bring in the last piece of the puzzle, even if they knew him a year ago, two years ago, said Siler. He tried to rape somebody (else).". These officers were only looking to see if illegal substances were being trafficked, and so, Lester became a fugitive, showing up at Kays door with a bag in hand. John Arcudi of the Mansfield Police Department. Unsolved Mysteries season 2 releases on October 19; one of the episodes, Death Row Fugitive, features the murder of Mary Ellen Deener at the hands of Lester Eubanks in 1965. Lester Eubanks is suspected to be in the Los Angeles area, an official with the U.S. Copyright 2023 KABC Television, LLC. Previously a Spanish - then Mexican - territory, the U.S. paid $15 million dollars for the area in 1848. Lester would give you the shirt off his back and would do everything to help support his family. Eubanks, who was convicted of the 1965 murder of 14-year-old Mary Ellen Deener, has been on the run since 1973 after he escaped police custody. The U.S. And over time, he earned "honor status" as an inmate and the trust of prison guards. The last she knew, she admitted, Lester was in Gardena, working in a mattress manufacturing factory as Victor. Marshals believe DNA collected from escaped child killer Lester Eubanks' biological son could be the key to unearthing new clues to the fugitive's identity or location.. Eubanks, who . Hes been avoiding the authorities for forty plus years.. Always giggling and - and having fun.". They want the child killer captured, and they wont stop until they succeed. While the Ohio Department of Corrections immediately listed Eubanks as a fugitive, it would take decades for federal authorities to do the same. Eubanks is a convicted murderer, who confessed to and was found guilty of the November 1965 murder and attempted rape of a 14-year-old girl named Mary Ellen Deener. He was sentenced to the death penalty, but in 1972 his sentence was commuted to life in prison without parole. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. Someone whos like, I know that guy.'. In October, Eubanks was featured on "Death Row Fugitives" on Netflix's "Unsolved Mysteries.". It had been 20 years and it was like nobody was working the case that we were aware of, said Arcudi. 2," may not be on the run for much . At the time of his escape, Eubanks was serving a life sentence for the November 1965 murder and attempted rape of 14-year-old Mary Ellen Deener. By the time Lester Eubanks murdered Mary Ellen Deener, a 14-year-old Mansfield, Ohio girl, he had already committed a series of sexual offenses. "We're looking for any information to his life on the run or the history of his life on the run," he added. Wikimedia CommonsOhio State Penitentiary around 1897. March 29, 2021 Lester Eubanks in the 1970s, and as he would appear today. We just need to talk to those people.. Other unique physical characteristics include a mole under his left eye, according to the U.S. marshals. At the time of his escape, Eubanks was serving a life sentence for the November 1965 murder and attempted rape of 14-year-old Mary Ellen Deener. Id argue its permissible to conduct familial searches at least if there are privacy safeguards in place, he said. He dragged her behind a house in the 300 block of North Mulberry Street, raped her, shot her twice and left her for dead. NOTICE TO LAW ENFORCEMENT: Before arrest, verify warrant through the National Crime Information Center (NCIC). Other unique physical. For the seven years Lester Eubanks was in jail, reports said he acted like a model prisoner. At the time of his arrest, he was listed as 511 and. But in December 1973, while on a temporary honor furlough to go Christmas shopping, Eubanks walked away from the custody of the Ohio Department of Corrections, according to the U.S. Lester Lackey & Sons Funeral Home 1163 Reynolds Street SW P.O. At the time of his escape, Eubanks was serving a life sentence for the November 1965 murder and attempted rape of 14-year-old Mary Ellen Deener, whom he bludgeoned to death. Two guards dropped them off at the Great Southern Shopping Center in Columbus at 10 a.m., told them that they could shop unsupervised for four hours, and gave them instructions about where they were to return afterward. The woman who ran the factory, Joy Springer, recalls that Eubanks was hired "right in the beginning of the waterbed era and we were going big guns.". IE 11 is not supported. The bus that he was on was stopped by law enforcement officials on the interstate lines, and Lester did think that his freedom was over, but he got lucky yet again. Bob Harrell, who . Anthony grew up in Canton and graduated Canton High School in 2018 . They have no idea. Recommend Lester's obituary to your friends. All rights reserved. Lester Eubanks was convicted of killing 14-year-old Mary Ellen Deene in 1965. She was born June 25, 1944, to Wilford O. Bashaw and Florence W. Wilson, in Grafton, Vt. She married Bud L . But every state contributes its DNA repository to the national database, and some states have restrictions against those types of familial searches. MANSFIELD - U.S. marshals have increased the reward from $25,000 to $50,000 in the case of convicted .