The Daring Escape of Sarah Pender: A True Crime Story
A new Hulu and Disney+ docuseries, “Girl on the Run: The Hunt for America’s Most Wanted Woman,” premiered on February 19th, unraveling the extraordinary story of Sarah Jo Pender, a convicted double murderer who orchestrated a daring escape from prison and sparked a nationwide manhunt. This three-part series delves into the chilling 2000 murders of Andrew Cataldi and Tricia Nordman, crimes for which Pender was convicted in 2002 and sentenced to a staggering 110 years behind bars.
The “Female Charles Manson” and a Controversial Conviction
Prosecutors infamously labeled Pender the “female Charles Manson,” a moniker fueled by circumstantial evidence and a compelling narrative. However, despite the intense scrutiny, direct physical evidence linking her to the killings remained elusive. This lack of concrete proof continues to fuel debate surrounding her conviction even today.
The Escape and the Manhunt
In August 2008, Pender vanished from Rockville Correctional Facility in Indiana, aided by a compromised prison guard. She cleverly concealed herself in the back of a transport vehicle, initiating a nearly five-month period on the run. Her escape propelled her to the top of the U.S. Marshals’ 15 Most Wanted list – a rare feat for a woman – and triggered a massive, multi-state manhunt that gripped the nation. The case garnered significant media attention, turning Sarah Pender into a household name synonymous with escape and intrigue.
Inside the Docuseries: Exclusive Interviews and New Revelations
“Girl on the Run” offers an in-depth exploration of the hunt for Pender, featuring exclusive interviews with key figures involved in the case. Viewers will hear directly from Pender herself, the U.S. Marshal who spearheaded the pursuit, her parents, former inmates, and even her ex-boyfriend, Rick, who is still serving time for the double murders.
The documentary meticulously traces Pender’s journey after her escape, exposing the network of individuals who provided her with shelter and support. Crucially, it also examines newly surfaced evidence and shifting testimonies that are now casting doubt on the original conviction, more than two decades after the crimes were committed.
Where to Watch
All three episodes of “Girl on the Run: The Hunt for America’s Most Wanted Woman” are currently available on Hulu and through the Hulu–Disney+ bundle in the U.S. International viewers can stream the series on Disney+. For more information on true crime documentaries, consider exploring resources like The Crime Museum.
Amy Leona Havin is a Commerce Writer for The Oregonian.