She put up a courageous fight and thwarted his forcible sexual assault, but only angered Eubanks into bloodlust in the process. Eubanks, then 22, had been convicted of murdering 14-year-old Mary Ellen Deener in 1966. He came back an hour later to finish the job. Prosecutors alleged he raped and beat her then. While bouncing around to different jobs, the fugitive reportedly worked in a waterbed factory and as a hospital janitor. If alive, Eubanks . Lester served in the United States Army and received an honorable discharge after 4 years of service. Eubanks, who now is in his mid-70s, was described as a 5-foot-11-inch male with black hair and brown eyes. The ongoing manhunt for Eubanks is the focus of the ABC News podcast, Have You Seen This Man?. Obituary Lester A. Eubanks was born on June 29, 1920 to the late Hartwell and Leora Eubanks in Irvington, NJ. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Furthermore, it appears DNA evidence collected from his biological son could yield enormous leaps previously unavailable in catching him. According to The Cinemaholic, Deener was walking 5 minutes from one . Mary Ellen Deener is seen here in this undated photo. U.S. 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. She was 78 years old. For Deeners family, that day in December nearly paralleled the night of 1965. She says that when it rained, she would sometimes offer a ride to his Gardena apartment building on El Segundo Boulevard right across from a golf course. Other unique physical. After fleeing Ohio, Lester went to Michigan for a few weeks because he wanted to see the extent of the search against him. He attended his school years in the Newark School system where he eventually graduated from West Side High School. Marshals Service). "He literally could be hiding in plain sight. IE 11 is not supported. Lester Eubanks grabbed Mary Ellen as she walked . Unsolved Mysteries Volume 2 is now streaming on Netflix, and features one of the series' wildest stories yet.In Episode 3, "Death Row Fugitive," we learn of how convicted murderer Lester Eubanks . [2][3] His disappearance featured on the Netflix series Unsolved Mysteries. Marshals Service] By: Michelle Sigona How a convicted killer so easily escaped prison and where he might be today has since become fodder for Unsolved Mysteries. We believe that he may have never left the Greater Los Angeles area, Murphy said. Marshal David Siler, who leads a cold case squad focused squarely on capturing the convicted killer. Investigators are reportedly closing in on a convicted murdererof a 14-year-old girl who escaped from prison nearly 50 years ago, authoritiessaid Saturday. He thoroughly enjoyed bowling and spent many years on a bowling league. 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. "We would take the whole crew to lunch at Shakey's Pizza," says Springer. For decades, investigators suspect he has been "hiding in plain sight," using a series of false identities for years to remain undetected, ABC News reported. Mary Ellen encountered Eubanks in 1965 when she ran out of change while doing laundry for the family at a local laundromat in Mansfield, Ohio. In Netflix's volume 2 description for Unsolved Mysteries, they say, Perhaps viewers hold vital clues that will help solve these mysteries. 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. Marshals Service) "We're just hoping for that one, one piece of the puzzle that's going to get us to his front door," Siler tells Eyewitness News. Fugitive Lester Eubanks is seen here in this U.S. Local News Sports Politics Opinion For Subscribers NKY Obituaries . All rights reserved. ", "It was just unreal," says Carter. Lester was predeceased by his wife, his parents, his sister Ida Brown and brothers James, Harvey and Leo Eubanks. Unsolved Mysteries Host Robert Stacks Cause of Death: How Did He Die. To use as powerful a word as I can think of, we were traumatized, said sister Myrtle Carter who was 18 at the time of the murder. Lesters warrant had been removed from the records, either because of a clerical error or the lack of follow-up attempts. . Marshal Service is not giving up. U.S. Lester would give you the shirt off his back and would do everything to help support hisfamily. Marshals offer record reward for fugitive Lester Eubanks, More: U.S. The disappearance of Lester Eubanks most recently garnered renewed attention with the second season of Netflix series Unsolved Mysteries. Lester Eubanks had a criminal history of sexual offenses prior to Mary Deeners murder. You've successfully subscribed to this newsletter! Some legal experts believe this case could open the door for the FBI to make a rare exception to the policy that prohibits searches using familial DNA. Lester Eubanks is suspected to be in the Los Angeles area, an official with the U.S. It had been 20 years and it was like nobody was working the case that we were aware of, said Arcudi. She had been shot twice in the stomach and her skull was shattered from being bashed with a brick. I dont think he ever took employment that ever did any background check. 'Unsolved Mysteries' covers the case. Would love your thoughts, please comment. On November 30, 2017, Lester A. Eubanks entered into his ultimate resting place at the age 97. One of the U.S. Marshals 15 most-wanted fugitives, authorities are offering a $50,000 reward for his capture, the agencys highest ever. Another thing she remembers about him: "He wore a lot of cologne and it would give me a migraine," she recalls. Instead, he vanished and hasnt been seen in nearly half a century. Im a Christian and I trust God and I allow him to do what hes going to do in my lifeIt doesnt consume me, but it bothers me that hes still missing, that hes still free and took her innocent life. For many years he was a faithful member of the Queen of Angels Roman Catholic Church in Newark, NJ. He passed away peacefully at his home in Newark,NJ. Following that, a local warrant against him was issued, which was upgraded to a national one when the FBI got involved a short while later. Marshals posting their highest-ever reward for information leading to his capture, $50,000. Marshals Service added Lester Eubanks to its Most Wanted list. Tragically, she found Eubanks, instead. His case received renewed attention when it was the subject of a recent. Incarcerated for life without parole in 1966, Eubanks had been a model inmate for about seven years, so Ohio State Penitentiary granted him a furlough to go Christmas shopping at a local mall that December. Authorities say Lester Eubanks worked and lived in Los Angeles under the alias 'Victor Young' U.S. Eubanks was living and working in Los Angeles under the name "Victor Young" after his 1973 escape from the Ohio State Penitentiary, where he was serving a life sentence for the brutal murder of. And because he confessed to the murder, more than once, he is also somebody who can be categorized as narcissistic. Mary Ellen Deener went searching for change for the laundromat on Nov. 14, 1965. 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.. But a busy holiday-season mall provided Eubanks with a perfect escape scenario. On November 30, 2017, Lester A. Eubanks entered into his ultimate resting place at the age 97. He believes his late mother was raped by Eubanks. "And he was not in any of them, not one.". It was clear to Deputy U.S. Fox News' Louis Casiano contributed to this report. Eubanks, 22, was sentenced to death, a sentence eventually commuted to. He passed away peacefully at his home in Newark, NJ. Still, Kaye said, there is room for exceptions. LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- Could the confessed killer of a little girl in Ohio be living in plain sight in Southern California? [4] Lester A. Eubanks was born on June 29, 1920 to the late Hartwell and Leora Eubanks in Irvington, NJ. He was born January 26, 1999 in Athens. Manfield News JournalLester A. Eubanks was born on June 29, 1920 to the late Hartwell and Leora Eubanks in Irvington, NJ. 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. Inside The Disturbing Legend Of The 'Tsunami Spirits' That Have Haunted Japan Ever Since Its 2011 Disaster, 12-Year-Old Canadian Boy Finds 69-Million-Year-Old Dinosaur Fossil While Hiking, What Stephen Hawking Thinks Threatens Humankind The Most, 27 Raw Images Of When Punk Ruled New York, Join The All That's Interesting Weekly Dispatch. It is scientifically plausible that a comparison of a biological sons DNA (if he is a genetic son) to unsolved profiles would turn up hits if the father had been the source of a crime scene DNA sample, Greely said. 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 offer record reward for fugitive Lester Eubanks, U.S. U.S. Lester grew up with ElizabethDudley fell in love and eventually married her. By the time 2 p.m. rolled around, though, Lester was long gone. 2," may not be on the run for much . "I mean it just boggles the mind," says retired Capt. "Anytime you talk about this case, it is appalling . [2] [3] His disappearance featured on the Netflix series Unsolved Mysteries. Eubanks conned his way into Christmas shopping and all but letting the justice system let him go free, through their apparent confidence that giving him a perfect chance to escape was a good idea. Previously a Spanish - then Mexican - territory, the U.S. paid $15 million dollars for the area in 1848. . Eubanks attempted to rape her before killing her. Mary Ellen Deener was shot and bludgeoned to death when she was 14 by Lester Eubanks. After his military years Lester worked at General ServiceAdministration (GSA) where he retired. This is why we are asking citizens to be vigilant and contact us with any information they believe will help us apprehend him.". The U.S. Marshals/ ABC News U.S. She was found with a handful of nickels and dimes next to her. The three images showed Davis in glasses, her iconic afro, and a resolute stare. A composite of what Lester Eubanks might look like today. Thats what were looking for. It's just so disgusting, so unjust," says Siler. Reports suggest Eubanks fled to Michigan, and also spent time in Los Angeles. While not an unsolved murder case, the culprits disappearance remains baffling. This United States biographical article related to crime is a stub. Lester Eubanks was convicted of the 1965 murder of Mary Ellen Deener, 14. Lester will be remembered for his contagious smile, great sense of humor and his giving heart! Lester was predeceased by his wife, his parents, his sister Ida Brown and brothers James, Harvey and Leo Eubanks. He never showed up to the designated pickup spot and remains elusive to this day. May God Bless and Keep You! Fox News Flash top headlines are here. Beverly Kay Eubanks passed away nearly four years ago now, at the age of 77. After his military years Lester worked at General ServiceAdministration (GSA) where he retired. Volume 2 of Netflix's revival of the show features an episode called "Death Row Fugitive," which focuses on the escape of convicted child killer, Lester Eubanks, in Ohio in 1973. With no help on the cold case from fellow authorities, Arcudi contacted Americas Most Wanted. Deputy U.S. Acknowledgement: The family of the late Lester A. Eubanks wishes to acknowledge with deep appreciation the many expressions of love, concern andkindness shown to their family during this hour or bereavement. He had a hit with 1966's "Open the Door to Your Heart". Before that, though, he had been arrested a couple of times for sexual offenses. Lester Eubanks hasnt seen its grounds in nearly 50 years. They are also trying to gain his biological sons DNA in an attempt to compare it against samples collected from unsolved crime scenes across America in the hopes that it will yield a match and offer hints about Lesters new identity or location. Lester grew up with ElizabethDudley fell in love and eventually married her. She headed out to get change and never came back. Lester would give you the shirt off his back and would do everything to help support his family. Officials said that he may be using the alias Victor Young to hide his identity. Eubanks was convicted of murdering Mary Ellen Deener, 14, in 1966. After reading about Lester Eubanks, learn about Wayne Williams and the Atlanta Child Murders. All rights reserved. Manipulating those guards, manipulating the system, being that good guy that he portrayed himself to be. Lester Eubanks grabbed Mary Ellen as she walked along the sidewalk. At one point, he sat on death row at the Ohio State Penitentiary and remains one of the U.S. Marshals most wanted fugitives to this day. NOTICE TO LAW ENFORCEMENT: Before arrest, verify warrant through the National Crime Information Center (NCIC). March 29, 2021 Lester Eubanks in the 1970s, and as he would appear today. A private service for family will be held Tuesday. "This is one of these cases that you go to bed with, it's one of these cases that you wake up with. He was asked to meet back at a specific time and place near the mall when he was finished. Investigators narrowed their search to the Los Angeles area after reviewing recently obtained photographs that allegedly show Eubanks working and socializing with people in Los Angeles County, including a former waterbed factory in Gardena, NBC Los Angeles reports. Marshals Service office, American Embassy/Consulate, call the U.S. Marshal David Siler, a member of a cold case squad seeking Eubanks, said, according to KABC-TV. He is described as 5-foot-11-inches with a huge scar on his right arm. She was 14. Lester leaves to mourn and carry on his legacy of support and love of family onto his sons Michael, James & Vincent Eubanks; daughters Sheila Pugh and Catherine Eubanks; his daughter in law Norma JeanBrown of Toms River; 11 grandchildren; 19 great grandchildren; sisters Leora & Helen Eubanks, Madelyn Hicks and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins andfriends. Siler said in 2017, Theres been periodic leads and tips that have put him in different places.. "I mean, it means the world to me. Then, with the 1972 abolishment of the death penalty, his sentence was commuted to life in prison without the possibility of parole. 3165 Obituaries Search Lawton obituaries and condolences, hosted by Echovita.com. 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.". The USMS established the 15 Most Wanted Fugitive Program in 1983 to prioritize investigation & apprehension of some of the countrys most dangerous fugitives. In the years that followed Lester Eubanks conviction, his execution was pushed back thrice for reasons unknown. All rights reserved. Marshal David Siler told the News Journal in 2017. Obituary for Dalton "Jerry" O. Eubanks Aiken, SC- Memorial Services for Dalton "Jerry" O. Eubanks, 88, who entered into rest January 18, 2023, will be conducted Friday, January 27, at 11 o'clock from the Posey Funeral Chapel, Rev. MASSACHUSETTS WIDOW'S KILLING SOLVED 36 YEARS LATER, ALLEGED KILLER CONFESSED BEFORE HE DIED, Lester Eubanks escaped from an Ohio prison in 1973. Marshals are not deterred by the passage of time when it comes to cases like this one, said U.S. Crazy!". Deputy U.S. I think hes probably still alive. Lester Edward Eubanks was just 22-years-old when he killed the 14-year-old Mary Ellen Deener in Mansfield, Ohio, and was subsequently caught. Marshals Service Communications Center at 1-800-336-0102, or submit a tip using U.S. It is suspected that he is still alive today. He finished the teen off by smashing her in the head with a brick. She was 14 years old when she was killed. Submit a tip. For about several years now, no new leads about Lester have come to light, but the U.S. Potter, Karen Crews 3 entries. HandoutMary Ellen Deener was shot and bludgeoned to death when she was 14 by Lester Eubanks. Lester A. Eubanks Newark resident Lester A. Eubanks, 97, departed this life on Thursday, Nov. 30, 2017, at home. Therefore, he was soon convicted for Mary Ellen Deener's 1965 slaying and was given the death penalty. Powered by WordPress.com VIP. A staff writer for All Thats Interesting, Marco Margaritoff has also published work at outlets including People, VICE, and Complex, covering everything from film to finance to technology. Deputy U.S. Law enforcement officer John Arcudi was in high school when Deener was killed. Real Name: Lester Edward Eubanks Aliases: Victor Young, Pete Eubanks, Lester William Eubanks Wanted For: Murder, Escape Missing Since: December 7, 1973 Case Details: Lester Eubanks is wanted for escape; he had been serving a life sentence for the murder of fourteen-year-old Mary Ellen Deener of Mansfield, Ohio. Acknowledgement: The family of the late Lester A. Eubanks wishes to acknowledge with deep appreciation the many expressions of love, concern andkindness shown to their family during this hour or bereavement. Marshals Service. Contact USA.gov, usmarshals.gov is an official site of the U.S. Federal Government, U.S. Department of Justice. 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