U.S. Marshals released a new age progression picture of Lester Eubanks. In 1965, Eubanks killed 14-year-old Mary Ellen Deener in Mansfield.
"All I have to do is think about it and it's there," said Myrtle Carter, Deener's sister, about the day her sister was murdered.
Deener's mother sent the teenager and another sister to the laundromat to dry some clothes after the dryer at home broke. Mary Ellen left the laundromat to get change and never came back. Police said Eubanks, who was out on bond for an attempted rape charge, watched Deener walk out of the laundromat, grabbed her, took her behind a vacant house and shot her. Police said he could hear her moaning and that is when he took a brick and beat her in the head with it.
Eubanks was convicted and sentenced to death row. When the state abolished the death penalty his sentence was commuted to life in prison. In 1973, he was allowed to go Christmas shopping. He disappeared and hasn't been seen since. Carter said her family was shocked. " He was never supposed to be free again," said Carter.
Carter said she saw the story we did about Eubanks last week and wanted to do what she could to help catch her sister's killer.
Deputy U.S. Marshal David Siler said he believes Eubanks is still alive. "We've been able to identify that Eubanks has been in other states. Florida, Alabama, California. We're contacting U.S. Marshals in those states and doing our best to follow leads," said Siler.
Carter said her mother and the sister who was with Mary Ellen when she was murdered have both died without seeing justice served. She is hoping Eubanks will be back behind bars soon.
U.S. Marshals believe he is living in the Greater Los Angeles area.
There is a reward being offered for information about Eubanks. Call 1-866-4WANTED if you have information about his whereabouts.
