A 40 Year Fugitive?

Imagine living a double life for four decades. You spend it as a fugitive on the run, always looking over your shoulder, yet somehow blending into society. That’s the story of José Enrique Sánchez-Mulero, a 67 year old man who escaped from a Puerto Rican prison in 1984 and wasn’t caught until early 2025. His tale is a wild mix of cunning, luck and a system that took 40 years to catch up.

Back in 1984, Sánchez-Mulero was serving a life sentence for murder when he seized his chance. Puerto Rico’s prison system was chaotic at the time. There were riots, overcrowding and multiple breakouts created the perfect storm for an escape. And escape he did, slipping away into the shadows. From there, he made his way to the U.S. mainland, eventually settling in the Bronx, New York, under an alias. For 40 years, he lived a quiet life, evading the law while the world moved on.

So how did it end? In early 2025, U.S. Marshals finally tracked him down, acting on a tip that broke the case wide open. Now 67, Sánchez-Mulero’s run came to a close, proving that justice, though slow, can still find its mark. The arrest highlights not just one man’s determination to stay free, but also the persistence of law enforcement and the power of modern coordination between agencies.

How did he avoid detection for so long? What kind of life did he build in the Bronx? And what finally gave him away? While the details are sparse, the story is a gripping reminder that the past has a way of catching up, no matter how far you run.

STORY IS HERE

Daily Prompt @ The Pie!

Daily writing prompt
What is your middle name? Does it carry any special meaning/significance?

My middle name is Eugene. Unaware of any real personal meaning or significance to me in relation to immediate family, I decided to dig a little deeper into the name.

Historically, Eugene has popped up in some fascinating places. It’s tied to European royalty (think princes and dukes from centuries past) and even has a religious angle with figures like St. Eugene, a 7th century martyr who stood his ground for his beliefs. There’s also Pope Eugene III in the 12th century, who led the Catholic Church during some wild times, like the Second Crusade.

Closer to home, I found out it’s a name that’s had a steady presence in the U.S. as well. It seems to have peaked in popularity around the early 20th century, often as a first name, but still hanging on as a middle name for folks like me.

I’m not sure how much of that “well born” vibe I’ve earned yet. I mean, I try to be a decent person, but I’m no saint or prince. Still, there’s something motivating about carrying a name with that kind of legacy. It makes me wonder if names shape us in subtle ways. Like, do I feel a little more responsible, a little more grounded because of it? Or is it just a fun piece of trivia to pull out at parties? Either way, I’m kind of proud to have Eugene tucked in there, like a hidden badge of honor.

Hot Dog Purse?

You might wonder: Why a hot dog? In a world of sleek crossbody bags and structured satchels, the hot dog purse stands out for its sheer audacity.

It’s a conversation starter, a rebellion against the seriousness of high fashion and a reminder that style doesn’t always have to make sense. It feels just as good to make you smile. Plus, it’s surprisingly practical.

Brought to you from our friends over at Nik Bentel Studio!

(Spoiler Alert) – It’s currently sold out, but you can shop for more awesome stuff while you’re there!

LINK IS HERE

Where Are The Butterflies?

Butterfly populations in the United States have declined significantly since 2000, with research indicating a drop of nearly a quarter (specifically around 22%) over the past two decades. This figure comes from a comprehensive study analyzing data from over 76,000 butterfly surveys across the contiguous U.S., covering 554 species, conducted between 2000 and 2020.

The decline is attributed to a combination of factors, including habitat loss due to development and agriculture, widespread pesticide use, effects of climate change and rising temperatures with drought. These pressures have impacted butterflies nationwide, with the southwestern U.S. experiencing some of the steepest declines.

While the overall trend is alarming, some species near human development have fared better, though they are the exception rather than the rule. This consistent rate of decline (about 1 to 2% per year) mirrors broader global insect population trends, raising concerns about ecosystem health since butterflies are key pollinators and indicators of environmental change.

STORY IS HERE

Music History Saturday!

The Year: 1970

Diana Ross performs for the first time as a solo artist, starting an 11-night engagement at the Monticello in Framingham, Massachusetts, where she hones her act for her Las Vegas debut in May. She left The Supremes two months earlier.

Bonus Slice +++

The Year: 1963

The Four Tops get a $400 advance to sign with Motown. They spend the rest of the year singing backup for other acts, including The Supremes.