Eugene Palmer (criminal)
Eugene K. Palmer (born April 4, 1939) is an American fugitive who was added to the FBI Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list on May 29, 2019. He is wanted for allegedly shooting and killing his daughter-in-law, Tammy Palmer, on September 24, 2012, in Stony Point, New York.[1] Palmer is the 523rd and most recent fugitive to be placed on the FBI's Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list. The FBI is offering a reward of up to $100,000 for information leading to his capture.[2]
| Eugene K. Palmer | |
|---|---|
 | |
| FBI Ten Most Wanted Fugitive | |
| Charges | |
| Reward | $100,000 |
| Alias |
|
| Description | |
| Born | 4 April 1939 New York, United States |
| Nationality | American |
| Race | White |
| Gender | Male |
| Height | 5 ft 10 in (178 cm) |
| Weight | 220 lb (100 kg) |
| Children | John Palmer (son) |
| Status | |
| Added | May 29, 2019 |
| Number | 523 |
| Currently a Top Ten Fugitive | |
Background
Eugene Palmer's son, John Palmer, was married to Tammy Palmer, and the couple lived together with their two children at a property owned by Eugene in Stony Point, New York. Eugene lived next door to the couple. The relationship between John and Tammy slowly began to deteriorate and the couple eventually started seeing other people. Tammy filed for a restraining order against John, which enraged Eugene. Tammy also threatened to file for divorce and sue for the land belonging to Eugene. Authorities say this started a feud between Eugene and Tammy and caused them to have a heated argument.[3]
Murder
On the morning of Monday, September 24, 2012, Tammy walked her two children to catch the school bus. It is believed Eugene Palmer was hiding in the woods waiting to ambush her when she returned home. As Tammy walked back towards her home, Palmer allegedly began shooting at her with a shotgun from a distance. The first shot struck her in the arm, the second shot missed, but the third shot, delivered at close range, hit her in the chest and proved fatal. After the shooting, Palmer fled the scene in a pickup truck, which was later found abandoned near Harriman State Park in Rockland County. Palmer then fled into the park on foot. Police called in search dogs, which followed Palmer's scent to a campground in the woods. The scent was then lost, however. Despite multiple searches, no body or trace of Palmer has been found.[4]
Investigation
Family members of Palmer believe he died in the park, but Haverstraw police said no body was ever found during multiple searches of the area. A federal arrest warrant was issued for Palmer on June 10, 2013.[5] Palmer depends on medications for a heart condition and diabetes. He is described as an experienced hunter, fisher, hiker and outdoorsman, who is also a car enthusiast. He has a deformed left thumb. Authorities believe Palmer might be hiding in Florida or Upstate New York, where he has relatives.[6]
References
- "Eugene Palmer". Federal Bureau of Investigation. Retrieved May 29, 2019.
- "Eugene Palmer Added to Ten Most Wanted Fugitives List". FBI. May 29, 2019. Retrieved May 29, 2019.
- Romine, Taylor; Patterson, Thom (May 29, 2019). "FBI adds Eugene Palmer to Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list". CNN.
- Spillane, Matt (May 30, 2019). "Haverstraw killing: Eugene Palmer added to FBI's Most Wanted List". The Journal News.
- Musumeci, Natalie (May 29, 2019). "80-year-old Eugene Palmer added to FBI's Most Wanted list". New York Post.
- Waitt, Tammy (June 1, 2019). "NY Suspect of Murdering Son's Wife Added to FBI's Ten Most Wanted". American Security Today.