True Crime All The Time Unsolved — Lester Eubanks (Episode 452)
Podcast: True Crime All The Time Unsolved
Hosts: Mike Ferguson & Mike Gibson
Date: February 16, 2026
Episode Overview
In this episode, Mike Ferguson and Mike Gibson explore the case of Lester Eubanks, a convicted murderer who has been on the run since 1973 after escaping custody during a prison honor program excursion. The hosts meticulously examine Eubanks’ criminal history, the murder that led to his conviction, the circumstances of his escape, and the ongoing manhunt. They also discuss the impact on the victim’s family and debate systemic issues that enabled Eubanks’ flight from justice. The episode maintains the podcast’s signature tone: approachable but detailed, with moments of levity between the hosts amid the gravity of the true crime narrative.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Introduction & Case Summary
2. Lester Eubanks' Early Life & Criminal Behavior
3. The Murder of Mary Ellen Deener
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Background on the Victim (09:29–11:26)
- Mary Ellen was a high-achieving, religious 14-year-old with ambitions to become a nun (Ferguson: “She thought she could be of most service to people as a nun.”).
- Her family life and strong Catholic faith are discussed.
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Timeline of the Crime (13:10–16:19)
- On November 14, 1965, Mary Ellen and her sister were doing laundry late at night.
- Eubanks approached and abducted Mary Ellen, shot her twice, and upon returning to the scene, killed her with a brick when he found her still alive.
- Gibson: “He had the opportunity to get her help before he ran away and then again when he came back, but he chose to make sure that she would die.”
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Community and Family Impact (17:16–18:43)
- Mary Ellen’s body was found by police after a neighbor’s call. Her sister and grandmother were traumatized by the discovery.
4. Investigation and Arrest
5. Trial & Sentencing
6. The Escape: Flawed Honor Program
7. The Manhunt & Life On the Run
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Early Leads & Sightings (46:19–47:30)
- Reports indicate Eubanks stayed with an acquaintance in California after his escape and used aliases.
- Possible work in a mattress factory and as a janitor under the name “Victor Young.”
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Victim’s Family and Long-Term Trauma (48:45–48:56)
- The Deener family struggled with the loss and the horror of Eubanks’ escape; several family deaths followed.
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Recent Investigative Developments (50:56–56:55)
- Multiple efforts in recent years: U.S. Marshals’ most wanted list, DNA strategies using familial samples, reward increases, and age progression photos.
- Notable quote: Brian Fitzgibbon (U.S. Marshals) — “He’s alive. I feel we’re getting closer.” (52:16)
- Agencies believe Eubanks may have remained in the L.A. area for decades.
- Age-progressed images released as recently as May 2025.
8. Reflections, Theories & Systemic Lessons
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
“He had the opportunity to get her help before he ran away and then again when he came back, but he chose to make sure that she would die.”
— Mike Gibson on Eubanks’ brutality (16:19)
“If I'm at that mall with my wife and kids, I'm not happy that convicted murderers are walking around in Levi's and flannels. I can't tell them apart.”
— Mike Ferguson on the prison’s honor program and public safety (41:47)
“What does that say?”
— Mike Ferguson about Eubanks’ ability to kill and then go on a date and to church the next morning (31:05)
“He has done an amazing job of eluding the authorities… Because there have been quite a few different agencies who have been looking for him. I mean, he’s on the US Marshals top, you know, most wanted list.”
— Mike Ferguson (57:14)
“Nothing [justifies him not paying for what he did].”
— Mike Ferguson (58:21)
Important Timestamps
- 04:20 — Case summary and Lester Eubanks’s conviction
- 09:29–11:26 — Profile of victim Mary Ellen Deener
- 13:10–16:19 — Details of the abduction and murder
- 18:59–20:47 — Investigation zeroes in on Eubanks
- 26:19–39:03 — Trial details and shifting testimony
- 40:04–42:36 — Eubanks’s escape and systemic criticism
- 46:19–47:30 — Early leads on Eubanks’s whereabouts (post-escape)
- 50:56–56:55 — Recent developments and reward increases
- 56:55–59:47 — The hosts’ discussions: “Could he be alive?” and justice served
- 58:03–59:47 — Reflections on justice and the enduring impact
Final Thoughts
- The episode highlights glaring failures in the penal system—specifically, trusting a violent offender with unsupervised release—and the devastation this caused for Mary Ellen’s family.
- The hosts balance careful research with candid commentary, consistently expressing frustration at systemic lapses and sympathy for the victim.
- The case remains unsolved, with hope placed in renewed efforts such as DNA forensics and continued public awareness.
- The episode leaves listeners with haunting questions about justice delayed, lost potential for closure, and the enduring pain for the families impacted by both the crime and Eubanks’ escape.
For tips regarding Eubanks:
Contact the Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force at 1-866-4-WANTED or submit a web tip (reward available; tipsters can remain anonymous).
Episode delivered in the thorough, conversational, and grounded style True Crime All The Time Unsolved fans expect.
