Copyright 2006 York Newspapers, Inc.
All Rights Reserved
By ELIZABETH EVANS
The York Dispatch
They’re not America’s Most Wanted fugitives, but two men wanted in the April 15 homicide of a hardworking York City father will be featured on York’s Fox television station just after the show ends, thanks to an effort by the U.S. Marshal’s Service.
“It’s a local thing,” said Chief Deputy Marshal Don Heemer. “The TV station has offered to run them.”
WPMT-Fox43 is donating the air time for the Fugitive of the Week initiative, which just started this month, Heemer said.
The spots will run Saturdays during the 10 p.m. news, after “America’s Most Wanted,” which airs at 9 p.m., ends.
“This is new for us,” Heemer said. “We plan to do something every week.”
Featured this Saturday will be Troy Jamell “Mel” Gellispie, 27, and Franklin Luther Jackson Jr., 23, both of 544 S. Queen St. in York City. Jackson also goes by the name of Frank White, police said.
The men are wanted on homicide warrants for the slaying of Christopher Butler, 23, of the 200 block of South Queen Street, who was fatally shot in the head while crossing the street to walk into his home, York City Police said.
Butler was not the intended victim, according to police, who said a north Philadelphia man named “Cliff” was the likely target. “Cliff” may have been shot in the side; he fled the scene before police arrived.
Photos of Butler and Jackson will be broadcast, along with information about the crime and a phone number to call to report information.
York City Police Lt. Ron Camacho, who supervises the detective bureau, praised the new initiative and said the U.S. Marshal’s Service regularly assists city police and detectives.
“They’re awesome, and we have a great relationship,” he said.
Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Gellispie or Jackson is asked to call York City Police at 846-1234, or the department’s anonymous crime tip line, 849-2204.