Forty-five years to the day that he escaped from custody in Columbus, convicted child murderer Lester Eubanks has made the US Marshals 15 Most Wanted fugitive list.
Eubanks was convicted of the 1965 shooting and bludgeoning of Mary Ellen Deener. He was sentenced to death in 1966 after being found guilty of first-degree murder while perpetrating rape.
Although his death sentence was later commuted to life in prison without the possibility of parole, Eubanks escaped custody during an unescorted shopping trip, which he received as a reward for good behavior. He was reported as an escapee when he failed to return to his scheduled pickup location.
He has eluded authorities ever since.
“While the Eubanks’ case is designated as a cold case, I want to assure the public our investigation into his whereabouts is very active,” said U.S. Marshals Service Deputy Director David Anderson. “I have total confidence in our deputies and our law enforcement partners who are determine to make sure Eubanks’ last days are spent in a prison cell where justice intended it.”
The Marshals believe Eubanks is still alive and living under an alias. Although his whereabouts remain a mystery, investigative leads have placed him in Michigan and California.
“The U.S. Marshals are not deterred by the passage of time when it comes to cases like this one,” said U.S. Marshal Peter Elliott of the Northern District of Ohio. “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.”
The 75-year-old Eubanks is described as a 5-foot-11 black man with black hair and brown eyes. At the time of his appearance, he weighed approximately 175 pounds. He also has a mole under his left eye and may be using the name Victor Young to hide his true identity.
Anyone with information is urged to contact the U.S. Marshals office or U.S. Marshals Service Communications Center at 1-800-336-0102. A reward up to $25,000 has been offered for information directly leading to his arrest.