The Axe Murderer Goes Viral
Two days ago, John Frederick Ericson was just your regular convicted axe murderer serving out a life sentence for the brutal killing of his wife seven years ago. He was working in the gardens of the minimum security prison where he’d been transferred because it was felt he could be trusted.
It turned out he couldn’t be trusted. Ericson bolted and by the time the alarm was raised he’d vanished.
Did I mention the prison is 800 metres up the road from my house, and that I drive past it twice a day to and from work?
Of course, a convicted axe murderer wandering around the suburbs isn’t really optimal, so a manhunt began with choppers, armed squads and sniffer dogs - to no avail. He’s still out there, more than 24 hours after escaping. It’s like one of those horror stories you tell as a child with torch-lit face at a sleepover.
And why am I writing about this, as I glance repeatedly over my shoulder? Well, when the media broke the story yesterday a news alert popped up on my desk at work with all the details and, shortly after, the guy’s impassive mugshot. I then emailed the link with the subject line: “Lock the doors!” to Mr Minx, who works from home, and my dad, who lives not far down the road. People in the city were texting and emailing and soon everyone knew that an Axe Killer Was AWOL.
If you’ve seen the futuristic film Minority Report you’ll remember that when Tom Cruise is accused of a pre-crime murder he makes a run for it, but it isn’t easy with multimedia blaring his character’s name and image from animated billboards everywhere he turns. We may not be quite there yet, but it is getting easier to a) communicate quickly and b) access important information.
Having said that, he’s still out there and by now may well have left town. As long as he doesn’t leap out with an axe as I’m driving down an empty road at night with my gas levels near empty. Technology will be no use then.
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Posted
on
Saturday, November 3rd, 2007 at 2:51 pm
under
Sleep tight.
November 3rd, 2007 at 3:17 pmI’m sure he’s trying to put as much distance as he can between himself and the prison.
You should be fine.
November 3rd, 2007 at 3:21 pmWhat is he going to do? Stop and look at the scenery? Check out real estate prices?
No, he’s going to try and put as much distance between himself and the Jail as he possibly can.
But it’s fun to read about.
What you SHOULD have done is link to a newspaper that has a technocrati widget, if it becomes a popular subject then you’re going to get traffic from people who are looking for bloggers opinions on the news report.
November 3rd, 2007 at 10:50 pmSeven years and he’s in a *minimum* security prison? Geesh!
November 4th, 2007 at 1:36 amShona,
I thought that the justice system in America was screwed up but now I read that an axe murderer is in a minimum security prison after serving only 7 years? I thought you Kiwi’s had much more sense then us Yankees.
I am sure he is trying to make as much distance from the jail or prison as possible or he is around the neighborhood in someone’s flat just hiding out until the coast is clear. Either way I do not think he is much of a threat right now. Perhaps in the future but not right now. Hopefully he can be caught soon and put back where he belongs and that is a maximum security prison where he can never get out again.
Take care
November 4th, 2007 at 4:37 amDon’t worry Minx! I read your blog while I was locked up, and I enjoyed it thoroughly! You’re cool in my book. No worries.
By the way, got any extra space in your closet?
November 4th, 2007 at 6:29 amNow that’s a good Halloween Story!
November 4th, 2007 at 7:07 amThanks guys. He’s been caught now - not hiding in my closet, but in the city trying to catch a boat.
I knew rationally that he’d be on the run and not lingering outside people’s houses, but it was still creepy.
Richard, our prison system is far from perfect…
Ryan/John, hehe glad I have friends on the “inside”! But it’s time you came out of the closet
Good idea about the Technorati widget Contamination, although NZ newspapers online aren’t quite there yet. RSS is still a novelty!
Emma: Yes, he timed it well!
November 4th, 2007 at 7:33 amYou - my dear - will be just fine.
November 4th, 2007 at 8:02 amGlad it all worked out ok. Just in case it should ever happen again you’ll be fine as long as there’s no pouring rain and lightning.
November 5th, 2007 at 8:27 amI’ve seen the films and axe murderers only seem to be able to attack when it’s raining. :o)
hehe, good point Tony!
November 5th, 2007 at 6:14 pm