Gary Tison’s wife, Dorothy Tison, faced legal consequences for her role in aiding his escape from prison. She was convicted and sentenced for her involvement.
Gary Tison was a notorious criminal who, along with Randy Greenawalt, escaped from the Arizona State Prison in Florence on July 30, 1978, with the help of his three sons. Dorothy Tison, Gary’s wife, was implicated in the escape plan. The breakout led to a murderous rampage that resulted in the deaths of a family of four and a honeymooning couple.
Dorothy Tison was charged with being an accessory to the escape. She was accused of providing her husband and his accomplices with the guns and supplies they used during their time on the run. Her involvement in the escape was seen as critical to its success, as she helped to smuggle the items into the prison.
During her trial, Dorothy Tison’s defense argued that she was under the influence of her husband and feared for her life and the lives of her children. Despite her defense, she was convicted and received a prison sentence. The severity of her punishment was influenced by the gravity of the crimes committed by Gary Tison and Greenawalt after their escape, which cast a shadow over her actions.
The case of Gary Tison and his family drew significant media attention and highlighted the potential consequences for those who assist in prison escapes. Dorothy Tison’s involvement with her husband’s escape and the subsequent legal repercussions serve as a cautionary tale about the ramifications of aiding and abetting criminals.
