The largest manhunt in Texas history was sparked by an “animal” killer

In 1986, Texas was thrown into turmoil during one of the largest manhunts in its history. It all started when a man named Jerry “Animal” McFadden, a convicted rapist with a long criminal record, escaped and committed a terrible crime.

According to a Tyler Morning Telegraph article, McFadden kidnapped, raped and murdered an 18-year-old cheerleader named Suzanne Harrison in the small town of Hawkins. He also took two other teenagers hostage, sparking a frantic nationwide search for the dangerous fugitive.

LOOK: THE LARGEST manhunt in Texas history sparked by an ‘ANIMAL’ KILLER

The manhunt quickly grew into one of the largest ever in Texas. Local police, state troopers and federal agents joined forces to find McFadden. They set up roadblocks, conducted door-to-door searches and combed the area with helicopters. With over 100 officers involved, the search effort became even greater, but McFadden was a sneaky escape artist. He used his knowledge of the East Texas forests to hide, which kept everyone on high alert for days.

People across Texas were unsettled, knowing that a violent murderer was still at large. Tension remained high as officers continued their search, following every lead they could get their hands on. After several days, they finally found McFadden hiding in the woods near the crime scene. His capture caused great relief throughout the state.

McFadden was later convicted of Suzanne’s murder and sentenced to death. He was executed in 1999, ending the story of a man whose crimes had struck fear throughout Texas. The search for Jerry “Animal” McFadden in 1986 is still considered one of the state’s most intense manhunts and shows how far it can go to catch a dangerous criminal.