April 18, 2005

LANSING – Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today issued an extradition order for the surrender of one of Michigan’s most-wanted fugitives.   Gary Gene Garlinghouse, who has eluded arrest for more than 25 years and is currently being held in the state of Texas, is wanted in Michigan on a 28-count felony warrant that includes charges of first degree criminal sexual conduct, kidnapping, possession of a firearm in the commission of a felony, and conspiracy to murder.

The Governor’s extradition order seeks the immediate surrender and return of Garlinghouse, who was arrested on March 23, 2005, in Austin, Texas.  The charges against Garlinghouse stem from the alleged kidnapping, beating, rape, and attempted murder of a 19-year-old woman in Royal Oak in 1979. 

“Justice may have been delayed for a woman who was brutalized and narrowly escaped death more than 25 years ago, but that justice will not be denied,” Governor Granholm said.  “The arrest and this extradition proceeding are the result of diligent work and coordination between several law enforcement agencies, including the Michigan State Police, the United States Marshals Service, the Royal Oak Police Department, and the Oakland County Prosecutor’s Office.”

An anonymous tip received by the Michigan State Police led to the arrest.  Garlinghouse is currently housed in Austin, Texas awaiting extradition.

Under the Uniform Criminal Extradition Act, the power to demand extradition of a fugitive who has fled from justice in Michigan and taken refuge in another state is vested in Governor Granholm.  Upon receipt of extradition documents, Texas officials can issue a warrant delivering the fugitive into the custody of Michigan authorities.