On this day in 1976: The first crime re-enactment was broadcast on a newscast, leading to the killers’ arrest just a few days later. The ploy was so successful that it convinced Albuquerque investigators to establish the first Crime Stoppers program, which ultimately grew to become an international movement.
Michael Carmen was shot by two men outside his gas station in July 1976, at point-blank range. Detectives on the case were stumped, so Det. Greg MacAleese convinced the general manager of the local news channel to broadcast a re-enactment of the murder. MacAleese was sure that someone in Albuquerque had witnessed the crime, but either didn’t realize what happened or was scared to come forward.
A viewer called the police department the morning after the broadcast. He said he had been near the gas station and heard a loud bang. The viewer identified a car speeding away from the scene.
Detectives arrested the first killer three days later, and found the second a few days after.
