"AMERICA'S MOST WANTED" AND LIFETIME MAKE FIRST CAPTURES
CRIME-FIGHTING PIONEER JOHN WALSH PUTS TWO
FUGITIVES WANTED FOR MURDER BEHIND BARS
WASHINGTON, DC/CHARLOTTE, NC (January 16, 2012) - John Walsh's pioneering series, America's Most Wanted, television's top crime-fighting show, has already made a difference since its premiere on Lifetime, having led to last weekend's capture of two men alleged to be involved in a brazen Washington, DC, shootout that killed two people, including a 15-year old boy, and injured five others. Investigators have been trying to track down the gunmen since the shooting in October 2009.
The suspects, Antonio Barnes and Earl Jackson, were featured on America's Most Wanted on Friday, January 6, 2012. One week later, a Lifetime viewer who watched the episode contacted the show's Hotline with information about the men, placing them in Charlotte, North Carolina. Washington, DC, Metropolitan Police and the Capital Area Regional Fugitive Task Force responded immediately to Charlotte. They teamed up with the U.S. Marshals Service from the Western District of North Carolina and the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department, and conducted surveillance on an apartment complex where Barnes and Jackson were believed to be hiding.
With information from the America's Most Wanted caller, investigators obtained a search warrant for the location. Early on January 14, 2012, a heavily-armed contingent of law enforcement officers executed the search warrant and arrested both Barnes and Jackson, ending the two-year manhunt.
Barnes and Jackson were wanted for their alleged involvement in the vicious October 12, 2009, shootout in the Clay Terrace neighborhood of Washington, DC. The lengthy shootout, which was suspected to have been sparked by an earlier robbery, involved anywhere from five to ten gunmen. Barnes and Jackson were then rumored to have fled to the Southern United States. More information on their cases can be found at http://www.amw.com/fugitives/brief.cfm?id=79333 and http://www.amw.com/fugitives/brief.cfm?id=79334.
America's Most Wanted was on site while law enforcement officials executed the warrant and obtained footage of the arrests.
"Our fans did not let us down, proving that our show is a true American institution and a reckoning force. After such a tremendous response to our return to television on Lifetime, now more than ever we are committed to bringing these cases to viewers across America so they can put criminals behind bars. We know this double capture is the first of many and we'll keep helping those crime victims that need us the most," said Walsh.
"Once again America's Most Wanted proves it's a true public service," said Rob Sharenow, Executive Vice President of Programming for Lifetime. "Lifetime is so proud that we can provide this vital programming for our viewers, assist in these captures and help make this country a safer place."
Since its 1988 premiere America's Most Wanted has become one of the most important programs on television, having played a major role in the capture of more than 1,100 fugitives in the U.S. and 30 countries, including 17 on the FBI's Ten Most Wanted List, and the rescue of 61 children and missing persons during the program's history. Aside from its landmark status in the annals of television as a leader in using the medium to apprehend the world's most dangerous criminals, the series also has shaped legislation and the national dialogue on crime fighting, and received numerous honors for its work. The influential series has helped lead to arrests in major unsolved crimes, such as the missing Elizabeth Smart case and the murder of Hollywood publicist Ronni Chasen.
Last September, the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences presented Walsh with its prestigious Governors Award, which "salutes an individual, company or organization that has made a substantial impact and demonstrated the extraordinary use of television." More information on America's Most Wanted can be found at www.amw.com. Become a fan of America's Most Wanted on Facebook at www.facebook.com/1800crimetv.
America's Most Wanted is produced by Walsh Productions and distributed by Twentieth Television, Inc., with Walsh serving as executive producer, along with Rob Sharenow, Gena McCarthy, Abigail Harvey and Jim Rapsas of Lifetime.
ABOUT WALSH PRODUCTIONS
Walsh Productions, based in Washington, DC was founded by John Walsh, who is best known as host of America's Most Wanted, the show that pioneered reality television. Walsh, the most recognized voice for victim's rights, has produced primetime series, syndicated programming and movies of the week. Recognized by the past five Presidents for his work, John Walsh is also the author of three bestselling novels. Now, John is bringing his 24 years of network experience to create a new generation of television programming.
ABOUT LIFETIME
Lifetime Television is committed to offering the highest quality entertainment and information programming, and advocating a wide range of issues affecting women and their families. Lifetime Television(R), LMN(R), Lifetime Real Women(R) and Lifetime Digital(TM) are part of Lifetime Entertainment Services, LLC, a subsidiary of A+E Networks. A+E Networks is a joint venture of the Disney-ABC Television Group, Hearst Corporation and NBC Universal.
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