Ep 3. Death Row Fugitive

In season 2, episode 3 of Unsolved Mysteries, we delve into the story of Lester Eubanks, a death row fugitive who has been on the run for over 45 years. Eubanks was convicted of the brutal murder of 14-year-old Mary Ellen Deener in Mansfield, Ohio in 1965, and was sentenced to death in 1975. However, Eubanks managed to escape from custody while being taken to a shopping center in 1973, just two years before his scheduled execution.

The episode begins by detailing the events leading up to Mary Ellen's murder, including her last day alive. Through interviews with Mary Ellen's sister and other family members, we gain a sense of who Mary Ellen was as a person and the enduring impact her death had on her loved ones. We also hear from investigators who initially worked on the case, as well as journalists who covered it at the time.

As the episode progresses, the focus shifts to Eubanks himself. We learn about his troubled upbringing, including the abuse he suffered at the hands of his mother and stepfather, and how his early experiences may have contributed to his criminal behavior later in life. We also hear about Eubanks' time on death row, during which he developed a reputation as a model prisoner and even tutored other inmates.

But despite Eubanks' seemingly exemplary behavior behind bars, he was able to escape from police custody in 1973, taking advantage of a shopping trip to a local mall to flee the scene. The episode explores the various theories about how Eubanks managed to escape undetected, and why he was able to evade capture for so long.

Throughout the episode, we see the impact that Mary Ellen's murder and Eubanks' subsequent escape had on the Mansfield community. We hear from local residents who remember the fear and uncertainty that gripped the town in the wake of the crime, and how the case has continued to haunt them to this day. We also see how the case has affected the Deener family, who have spent decades seeking justice for their loved one.

Finally, the episode examines the current state of the case, and the efforts being made to track down Eubanks and bring him to justice. We hear from law enforcement officials who are working to locate Eubanks, as well as from members of the Deener family and other interested parties who are invested in seeing the case resolved.

Overall, season 2, episode 3 of Unsolved Mysteries is a gripping and emotional exploration of a decades-old crime and the ongoing efforts to bring a fugitive to justice. Through interviews, archival footage, and expert analysis, we gain a deep understanding of the events and personalities that shaped this tragic story, and the profound impact it continues to have on all those involved.