In the summer of 1978, a young family's journey through the Arizona desert met a tragic and violent end. Donnelda Kay 'Donna' Chadwick, a 23-year-old White/Caucasian woman, was traveling near Quartzsite on July 31st with her husband, John Lyons, their 22-month-old son, Christopher, and their 15-year-old niece, Teresa Jo Tyson. Their trip turned into a nightmare when their vehicle broke down, leaving them stranded and vulnerable.
It was then that they were encountered by a group of
escaped convicts, a dangerous crew led by Gary Tison and Randy Greenawalt. The men had recently broken out of the Arizona State Prison with the help of Tison's three sons. At gunpoint, the family was forced into the convicts' car and driven deep into the desolate desert landscape. There, in a brutal act of violence, Tison and Greenawalt shot and killed Donnelda, her husband, and their young son. Teresa, in a desperate attempt to escape, was also gunned down.
The grim discovery of the family's bodies began on August 6, 1978, when the remains of Donnelda, John, and Christopher were found. Teresa's body was located five days later, a short distance away. The horrific nature of the crime sparked a massive manhunt for the perpetrators. The search for the Tison gang was extensive and perilous, ultimately leading to a violent confrontation with law enforcement.
The pursuit of justice for Donnelda and her family saw the eventual capture of the Tison gang. During the manhunt, Gary Tison died in the desert from exposure. Randy Greenawalt was apprehended, stood trial for the murders, and was ultimately executed for his role in the heinous crimes. Tison's sons, who had aided in the prison escape, were also captured and held accountable for their actions, receiving lengthy prison sentences.
