48 Hours Hunting Down Mr. Wright
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Aug 27, 2025 R.J. Gallagher, a recently retired FBI agent, shares his gripping insights after 17 years pursuing fugitive George Wright, a notorious convicted murderer who escaped prison and hijacked a plane. Ann Patterson, daughter of murder victim Walter Patterson, discusses her lifelong quest for justice for her father, whose tragic death left deep emotional scars. Together, they delve into the complexities of justice, the psychological toll of being a fugitive, and the heart-wrenching aftermath of violence on families. Their stories intertwine in a moving narrative of resilience and hope.
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The Murder That Sparked The Hunt
- Walter Patterson fought back during the 1962 gas station robbery and was beaten and shot, later dying two days after the attack.
- His eyewitness descriptions helped police quickly identify and arrest George Wright and accomplices within 48 hours.
The Simple Prison Walkaway
- In August 1970 Wright walked away from a minimum-security prison during a night bed check and escaped with another inmate.
- Police recaptured two men quickly but Wright and a fourth inmate vanished and remained fugitives.
Use All Tools To Revive Cold Cases
- Investigators should cast a wide net: check friends, relatives, phones, emails, and international fingerprint databases like Interpol.
- Use age-enhancement and persistent small leads to turn decades-old cold cases into active investigations.