Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, June 2, 1994 TAG: 9406020091
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: B4 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: WASHINGTON, N.C. LENGTH: Medium
John T. Midgette, 52, had walked off the unfenced grounds of Central State Hospital in Petersburg, Va., April 23 after working a shift at a patient canteen. Police had been searching for the admitted killer ever since.
He was captured around 7:30 p.m. by Beaufort County Sheriff's Department Deputy Walter Johnson, who was on a routine patrol.
Johnson said he recognized Midgette, a native of nearby Engelhard, from a photograph distributed by the Virginia State Police. Authorities had visited Beaufort County law officers last week to alert them to be on the lookout for the escaped killer.
``I asked him if he was Thomas Midgette,'' Johnson said. ``He said, `Yes.'
``He was very cooperative and did not resist me,'' Johnson said.
Midgette, who has relatives in Beaufort County, was carrying a bag that contained clothing and a shower kit, authorities said.
Midgette was charged with unlawful flight to avoid confinement and being a fugitive.
Midgette was tried in 1990 in Chesapeake, Va., for the death of Michael B. Jacobs. He admitted to the killing but was found innocent by reason of insanity in the death of Jacobs, his boss, and was sent to Central State Hospital.
Midgette, who suffers from a mental illness described as a delusional disorder, had a "hit list" of six people he reportedly believed were plotting against him, including Jacobs. Midgette's wife and mother were on the list, according to testimony at his trial, and so was Jacobs' wife, Barbara.
by CNB