U.S.

Missouri Fugitive's Remains Likely Found In Washington

Authorities in Washington say they believe they've found the remains of a fugitive who escaped from a Missouri prison nearly three decades ago.

Missouri Fugitive's Remains Likely Found In Washington
The Everett Herald / FBI
SMS

Authorities in Washington say they believe they've found the remains of a fugitive who escaped from a Missouri prison nearly three decades ago.

"Dennis 'Slick' Lilly escaped from the Missouri State Penitentiary 27 years ago. Now, detectives think he changed his name and lived in Gold Bar, Washington until 2012, when he died of cancer." (Via KMIZ)

According to The Everett Herald, Lilly's wife Mary admitted to burying his body in the backyard, and detectives unearthed human remains from under a woodshed behind her home.

A sheriff's spokesperson says the medical examiner has not officially identified the remains as Lilly's, and, because of that, the case is still under investigation.

According to KING, Lilly was serving time for robbery, burglary, car theft and aggravated assault when he broke out in 1986.

The Everett Herald reports he stole a prison guard's uniform and walked right out of the prison, where authorities believe he met up with Mary, who he'd married two years earlier while he was behind bars.

Police believe the couple then built a whole new life for themselves in Gold Bar, complete with fake names and stolen Social Security numbers.

People who knew them told KCPQ they can't believe the news.

"They were always friendly, personable, there was nothing that stood out on any level." (Via KCPQ)

The FBI has been searching for Lilly for years, and he was even featured on "America's Most Wanted" at least twice. It's unclear if his wife will face any criminal charges.