Evidence, Arrest and Admission
In 2002, with advances of computerized finger-printing technology, the FBI decided to expand the system to include prints collected during arrests in all 50 states. A match based on the partial left thumb prints lifted from the steering wheel of the stolen car, came back about a man convicted of burglary in 1956 in Columbia. He had served time for that case. Besides the matching fingerprint the evidence was also based on matching handwriting, linking him to the murder weapon.
Police located Mason, who had returned to and was still living in his hometown of Columbia, South Carolina. He was a wealthy retiree and grandfather, quietly living with his family in a suburban neighborhood. Then, in January 2003, a large group of police officers called at his door. Mason was completely shocked and had asked where they were from. The police officers had said, "We are from Los Angeles Police department." Mason then said, "You're homicide detectives? I think I need a lawyer." The police officer then told him that they were there because of the murder of two police officers in 1957. Horrified, Mason responded, "You're here for that?"
Following his arrest, Mason was further identified by the bullet graze wound scar on his back, from a bullet fired by Officer Phillips in 1957.
Confronted with so much evidence, Mason admitted to detectives that he stumbled upon the teenagers while intoxicated. Afterwards, he shot both police officers in an attempt to cover up the rape, robbery, and theft of the car. Mason further told detectives, "I really don't have an explanation for why this happened. I wish I did."
Read more about this topic: Gerald Mason
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