Local journalists revive pursuit of fugitives fleeing the country

By Produced by Eight Forty-Eight
Local journalists revive pursuit of fugitives fleeing the country
Gary Marx and David Jackson identified over 100 fugitives from northern Illinois who have fled the country to avoid prison. AP/file
Local journalists revive pursuit of fugitives fleeing the country
Gary Marx and David Jackson identified over 100 fugitives from northern Illinois who have fled the country to avoid prison. AP/file

Local journalists revive pursuit of fugitives fleeing the country

By Produced by Eight Forty-Eight
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Two reporters from Illinois headed out on an 18-day road trip through Mexico. With neither badge nor gun between them, they tracked down eight fugitives from justice. That might sound like the beginning of a novel or whodunit but it was actually the work of Gary Marx and David Jackson, two investigative reporters with the Chicago Tribune. Their series identified over 100 people from northern Illinois who faced serious criminal charges and have fled the country; and lawmakers are now paying attention. Sen. Dick Durbin has cited their articles and U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder said he will re-ignite efforts to bring violent fugitives back to Illinois to face prosecution.