Unsolved Mysteries Case Question - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

robbieasbury · 03-13-2006, 05:19 AM

What happened to the woman Diane Broadback, I think that is her name, a church going woman who helped a convict escape from prison?

LooksLikeCRicci · 03-13-2006, 10:37 AM

If it's the woman who I think it is (she was lonely and met him through a pen pal program, they fell in love, etc.) I don't think that any criminal charges were pressed against her, as authorites felt she was a victim in the whole thing. I want to say that they were found as a result of the program and she was reunited with her family. I could be way off, though. Kane, Crystaldawn, Justin?? A little help?

Kane · 03-13-2006, 10:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LooksLikeCRicci

If it's the woman who I think it is (she was lonely and met him through a pen pal program, they fell in love, etc.) I don't think that any criminal charges were pressed against her, as authorites felt she was a victim in the whole thing. I want to say that they were found as a result of the program and she was reunited with her family. I could be way off, though. Kane, Crystaldawn, Justin?? A little help?

If only I could remember the name of the convict.

justins5256 · 03-13-2006, 11:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kane

If only I could remember the name of the convict.

The convict's name was John Yount. I think Brodbeck got a few years in prison. I seem to recall reading an article to that effect.

justins5256 · 03-13-2006, 11:21 AM

JAIL TERM FOR A DUPED LONELYHEART SHE HELPED KILLER FLEE PA. PRISON
Philadelphia Daily News (PA)
February 4, 1989
Author: Associated Press
Estimated printed pages: 2

A married beauty parlor receptionist "sweet-talked" into helping a convicted killer's 1986 escape after meeting him through a prison ministry program was sentenced yesterday to at least two years in prison.

Diane Brodbeck showed no emotion as Centre County Court Judge Charles Brown Jr. imposed a two-year, three-month to five-year sentence at Muncy state prison for conspiring in Jon Yount's escape. She was given credit for 79 days already served in county jail.
"I think Judge Brown was very fair," she said as she was led from the courtroom in handcuffs.

Brodbeck's mother, Nadine Warner, wept when the sentence was announced. Brodbeck's husband, Chester, a brother, three sisters and two daughters also attended the 50-minute hearing.

Yount, a former teacher at DuBois Area High School, was serving a life sentence for the 1966 murder of Pamela Sue Rimer, 18, a student in his advanced math class.

In a two-minute appeal to the judge before sentencing, Brodbeck said in a clear, unwavering voice she regretted helping Yount flee an unsupervised farm detail outside Rockview state prison April 5, 1986.

"I am greatly saddened and sorry for the pain and suffering I brought on my family and friends . . . I also regret breaking the law," said Brodbeck, 46, of Wellsville. "I know I am solely responsible for what I did."

But Brown said remorse was not enough, describing Yount a danger to society.

"In this case, there is more than saying you're sorry," the judge said in handing down the sentence.

Brodbeck and Yount, 50, were arrested June 15 near Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, where they were living under assumed names.

A tip from a viewer of a May episode of NBC-TV's "Unsolved Mysteries," which dramatized Yount's escape, led police to the couple, authorities said.

Terrence McGowan, Brodbeck's attorney, had asked Brown for credit for time served, seven years' probation and community service.

"She ran into a fellow who was a sweet-talker . . . She was at a low point in her life and she fell for a guy who told her what she wanted to hear," McGowan said.

McGowan said Yount convinced her to take part in the escape after all his legal appeals had failed.

"Diane was not the only one fooled by Yount," he added.

Brodbeck, who worked as a receptionist at a beauty salon at the time of the escape, met Yount in 1982 while she was working as a church volunteer. She visited him frequently, talked with him on the telephone and exchanged love letters with him, authorities said.

On the day of the escape, Brodbeck drove Yount from prison property and later spent as much as $7,500 from her savings during their more than two years on the run, authorities said.

Centre County District Attorney Ray Gricar said giving Brodbeck probation instead of a jail termwould have set a dangerous precedent.

"It would have been a green light for any do-gooders out in the community to take the law into their own hands and decide - that if they felt someone wasn't dangerous - they could turn them loose and there wouldn't be any penalty to be paid for it," he said.

Caption:
PHOTO
Caption:

PHOTO (3)

1. Diane Brodbeck: aided convict (ASSOCIATED PRESS)

2. Yount

3. Diane Brodbeck, who helped convicted killer John Yount (above left) escape
from a Pennsylvania prison, was sentenced to jail yesterday. Both were
recaptured last year. (Page 2)

Edition: LATE SPORTS
Section: LOCAL
Page: 11
Index Terms: PRISON PA SENTENCE
Dateline: BELLEFONTE, Pa.
Copyright (c) 1989 Philadelphia Daily News
Record Number: 8901040081

Kane · 03-13-2006, 11:33 AM

I discovered that it was shown on one of the show's pre-series specials. This was before I started watching, so I must not have seen it.

At first, I was thinking of another UM case, one that aired on CBS in 1998, which was eventually solved. After all, stories similar to the John Yount case were profiled on the show.

Anyway, I have no idea what Diane Brodbeck was thinking when she helped a convicted murderer escape. If John Yount had killed again while on the run, the blood of his potential victim or victims would have been on her hands.

LooksLikeCRicci · 03-13-2006, 11:44 AM

Yep. I mixed up Diane Brodbeck with another woman... I hate it when my UM episodes start to run together...

crystaldawn · 03-13-2006, 12:06 PM

Thanks for posting that article Justin. I had remember that she got a light prison term but couldn't remember exactly how long. I was glad that she was sent to prison, she deserved it. Could you imagine if Jon Yount had killed again and it would be with her help for helping him escape. I also think that Missy Munday should have received a substantial prison sentence for her part in the murder of Elmer Debore (her husband Jerry Strickland killed him, another early UM) but instead got off.

I noticed it mentioned that Brodbeck's husband was at the hearing. I was a little suprised he hadn't gotten divorced and am curious as to whether they're still married.

crystaldawn · 03-13-2006, 12:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LooksLikeCRicci

If it's the woman who I think it is (she was lonely and met him through a pen pal program, they fell in love, etc.) I don't think that any criminal charges were pressed against her, as authorites felt she was a victim in the whole thing. I want to say that they were found as a result of the program and she was reunited with her family. I could be way off, though. Kane, Crystaldawn, Justin?? A little help?

Well there are two that are similar to what you described. Karen Sephalonis met her convict through a penpal program and later aided him in an escape. There was an update that they were found I remember because Karen had gained a lot of weight and looked almost unrecognizable. But I believe she was going to face charges although I never heard of the outcome.

Another one similar is Donna Brown. She's the one who had been widowed twice and was lonely and helped her convict escape as well. They did say they felt she was a victim and weren't going to pursue criminal charges against her. The last I knew they had both been found and it seemed like they said Donna Brown was suffering from cancer. Anyone ever hear anything else on her?

LooksLikeCRicci · 03-13-2006, 01:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by crystaldawn

Another one similar is Donna Brown. She's the one who had been widowed twice and was lonely and helped her convict escape as well. They did say they felt she was a victim and weren't going to pursue criminal charges against her. The last I knew they had both been found and it seemed like they said Donna Brown was suffering from cancer. Anyone ever hear anything else on her?

That's the one I was thinking of! Nice memory!

DarkDante · 03-13-2006, 08:09 PM

I may be alone in thinking this way but although I don't champion his release per say I don't believe Yount is a threat to society that people portray him to be. For those who are wondering Yount is still behind bars in Pennslyvania and although does not forsee his own release any time soon is heavily involved in the process of litigating prisoners' rights, especially parole requirements and the pursuit of voting rights for the incarcerated.

Several of his petitions and writings on such matters have been read/entered into public record during several meetings pertaining to those matters.

You can write to him here:

Jon E. Yount, AC-8297
175 Progress Drive
Waynesburg, PA 15370

justins5256 · 03-13-2006, 08:47 PM

Another story along those lines: Edgar Kerns, a Canadian con man who was in prison and convinced a female corrections officer to help him escape. They were subsequently caught, and the update showed the lovely couple in handcuffs making out in the back of a police car. I'm not sure if the story has shown up on Lifetime.

Regarding Yount and Brodbeck, I seem to recall reading online that she did get back with her husband after her early release from prison, but I can't seem to find the article on Newsbank, nor can I recall exactly where I read it, so this shoudn't be taken as gospel.

LooksLikeCRicci · 03-14-2006, 11:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by justins5256

Another story along those lines: Edgar Kerns, a Canadian con man who was in prison and convinced a female corrections officer to help him escape. They were subsequently caught, and the update showed the lovely couple in handcuffs making out in the back of a police car. I'm not sure if the story has shown up on Lifetime.

I'm not sure if it's been on Lifetime, either, but I've seen the segment that you're talking about. It must have been the imagery of two people sucking face in the back of a police car. It made me laugh. Jackasses.

ouphe · 03-14-2006, 04:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by crystaldawn

Thanks for posting that article Justin. I had remember that she got a light prison term but couldn't remember exactly how long. I was glad that she was sent to prison, she deserved it. Could you imagine if Jon Yount had killed again and it would be with her help for helping him escape.

Excellent points, crystaldawn. Aiding and abetting convicted murderers is a grave offense against society. I was quite disheartened at the wrist-slap Diane Broadbeck received.

When she is released, hopefully she'll be implanted with an RFID microchip, so her future actions will be closely scrutinized by proper authorities.

synthisislab · 03-14-2006, 06:17 PM

Wasn't there another case where there was a convict allowed to do groundskeeping on a correction officer's home (Just outside the prison) He then fled with the officer's wife. I don't remember if it was featured on UM or it could have been on America's Most Wanted or A & E. The police are not sure if the wife was kidnapped or went voluntarily. Does anyone remember that case? And, if so, are there any updates on that one?

03-13-2006, 05:19 AM	#1
robbieasbury Member Frequent Poster Join Date: Jul 02, 2005 Posts: 200	Unsolved Mysteries Case Question What happened to the woman Diane Broadback, I think that is her name, a church going woman who helped a convict escape from prison?

03-13-2006, 10:37 AM	#2
LooksLikeCRicci Likes to live in a clean house Moderator Forum 4000 Club Member Join Date: Nov 27, 2005 Posts: 4,050	If it's the woman who I think it is (she was lonely and met him through a pen pal program, they fell in love, etc.) I don't think that any criminal charges were pressed against her, as authorites felt she was a victim in the whole thing. I want to say that they were found as a result of the program and she was reunited with her family. I could be way off, though. Kane, Crystaldawn, Justin?? A little help?

03-13-2006, 11:21 AM	#5
justins5256 Member Forum 3000 Club Member Join Date: Aug 08, 2002 Posts: 3,866	JAIL TERM FOR A DUPED LONELYHEART SHE HELPED KILLER FLEE PA. PRISON Philadelphia Daily News (PA) February 4, 1989 Author: Associated Press Estimated printed pages: 2 A married beauty parlor receptionist "sweet-talked" into helping a convicted killer's 1986 escape after meeting him through a prison ministry program was sentenced yesterday to at least two years in prison. Diane Brodbeck showed no emotion as Centre County Court Judge Charles Brown Jr. imposed a two-year, three-month to five-year sentence at Muncy state prison for conspiring in Jon Yount's escape. She was given credit for 79 days already served in county jail. "I think Judge Brown was very fair," she said as she was led from the courtroom in handcuffs. Brodbeck's mother, Nadine Warner, wept when the sentence was announced. Brodbeck's husband, Chester, a brother, three sisters and two daughters also attended the 50-minute hearing. Yount, a former teacher at DuBois Area High School, was serving a life sentence for the 1966 murder of Pamela Sue Rimer, 18, a student in his advanced math class. In a two-minute appeal to the judge before sentencing, Brodbeck said in a clear, unwavering voice she regretted helping Yount flee an unsupervised farm detail outside Rockview state prison April 5, 1986. "I am greatly saddened and sorry for the pain and suffering I brought on my family and friends . . . I also regret breaking the law," said Brodbeck, 46, of Wellsville. "I know I am solely responsible for what I did." But Brown said remorse was not enough, describing Yount a danger to society. "In this case, there is more than saying you're sorry," the judge said in handing down the sentence. Brodbeck and Yount, 50, were arrested June 15 near Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, where they were living under assumed names. A tip from a viewer of a May episode of NBC-TV's "Unsolved Mysteries," which dramatized Yount's escape, led police to the couple, authorities said. Terrence McGowan, Brodbeck's attorney, had asked Brown for credit for time served, seven years' probation and community service. "She ran into a fellow who was a sweet-talker . . . She was at a low point in her life and she fell for a guy who told her what she wanted to hear," McGowan said. McGowan said Yount convinced her to take part in the escape after all his legal appeals had failed. "Diane was not the only one fooled by Yount," he added. Brodbeck, who worked as a receptionist at a beauty salon at the time of the escape, met Yount in 1982 while she was working as a church volunteer. She visited him frequently, talked with him on the telephone and exchanged love letters with him, authorities said. On the day of the escape, Brodbeck drove Yount from prison property and later spent as much as $7,500 from her savings during their more than two years on the run, authorities said. Centre County District Attorney Ray Gricar said giving Brodbeck probation instead of a jail termwould have set a dangerous precedent. "It would have been a green light for any do-gooders out in the community to take the law into their own hands and decide - that if they felt someone wasn't dangerous - they could turn them loose and there wouldn't be any penalty to be paid for it," he said. Caption: PHOTO Caption: PHOTO (3) 1. Diane Brodbeck: aided convict (ASSOCIATED PRESS) 2. Yount 3. Diane Brodbeck, who helped convicted killer John Yount (above left) escape from a Pennsylvania prison, was sentenced to jail yesterday. Both were recaptured last year. (Page 2) Edition: LATE SPORTS Section: LOCAL Page: 11 Index Terms: PRISON PA SENTENCE Dateline: BELLEFONTE, Pa. Copyright (c) 1989 Philadelphia Daily News Record Number: 8901040081

03-13-2006, 11:33 AM	#6
Kane Member Forum 3000 Club Member Join Date: Mar 07, 2001 Location: MA, United States Posts: 3,367	I discovered that it was shown on one of the show's pre-series specials. This was before I started watching, so I must not have seen it. At first, I was thinking of another UM case, one that aired on CBS in 1998, which was eventually solved. After all, stories similar to the John Yount case were profiled on the show. Anyway, I have no idea what Diane Brodbeck was thinking when she helped a convicted murderer escape. If John Yount had killed again while on the run, the blood of his potential victim or victims would have been on her hands.

03-13-2006, 11:44 AM	#7
LooksLikeCRicci Likes to live in a clean house Moderator Forum 4000 Club Member Join Date: Nov 27, 2005 Posts: 4,050	Yep. I mixed up Diane Brodbeck with another woman... I hate it when my UM episodes start to run together...

03-13-2006, 12:06 PM	#8
crystaldawn Member Forum 4000 Club Member Join Date: Dec 17, 2002 Location: Illinois Posts: 4,261	Thanks for posting that article Justin. I had remember that she got a light prison term but couldn't remember exactly how long. I was glad that she was sent to prison, she deserved it. Could you imagine if Jon Yount had killed again and it would be with her help for helping him escape. I also think that Missy Munday should have received a substantial prison sentence for her part in the murder of Elmer Debore (her husband Jerry Strickland killed him, another early UM) but instead got off. I noticed it mentioned that Brodbeck's husband was at the hearing. I was a little suprised he hadn't gotten divorced and am curious as to whether they're still married.

03-13-2006, 08:09 PM	#11
DarkDante Member Senior Member Join Date: Jul 27, 2002 Posts: 1,569	I may be alone in thinking this way but although I don't champion his release per say I don't believe Yount is a threat to society that people portray him to be. For those who are wondering Yount is still behind bars in Pennslyvania and although does not forsee his own release any time soon is heavily involved in the process of litigating prisoners' rights, especially parole requirements and the pursuit of voting rights for the incarcerated. Several of his petitions and writings on such matters have been read/entered into public record during several meetings pertaining to those matters. You can write to him here: Jon E. Yount, AC-8297 175 Progress Drive Waynesburg, PA 15370

03-13-2006, 08:47 PM	#12
justins5256 Member Forum 3000 Club Member Join Date: Aug 08, 2002 Posts: 3,866	Another story along those lines: Edgar Kerns, a Canadian con man who was in prison and convinced a female corrections officer to help him escape. They were subsequently caught, and the update showed the lovely couple in handcuffs making out in the back of a police car. I'm not sure if the story has shown up on Lifetime. Regarding Yount and Brodbeck, I seem to recall reading online that she did get back with her husband after her early release from prison, but I can't seem to find the article on Newsbank, nor can I recall exactly where I read it, so this shoudn't be taken as gospel.

03-14-2006, 06:17 PM	#15
synthisislab Member Forum Regular Join Date: Mar 11, 2006 Location: Jacksonville, FL Posts: 552	Wasn't there another case where there was a convict allowed to do groundskeeping on a correction officer's home (Just outside the prison) He then fled with the officer's wife. I don't remember if it was featured on UM or it could have been on America's Most Wanted or A & E. The police are not sure if the wife was kidnapped or went voluntarily. Does anyone remember that case? And, if so, are there any updates on that one?