Robert Garrow: The Serial Killer Who Terrorized Upstate New York

The History of the Garrow Manhunt: A Chilling Tale of Crime and Survival

In the summer of 1973, New York State became the backdrop for one of its most intense and frightening criminal manhunts. The hunt for Robert Garrow, a convicted serial killer, spanned over twelve days and struck fear throughout the Adirondacks, becoming the largest manhunt in the state’s history at the time. Garrow's crimes and the subsequent search left an indelible mark on the region, and his capture would reveal a much darker story than anyone had initially realized.

Who Was Robert Garrow?

Robert Garrow, born in 1936 in Dannemora, New York, had a history of violent crime long before the events of 1973. In 1961, he was convicted of first-degree rape and served time in prison. Paroled in 1968, Garrow was reportedly a model inmate, but his release proved disastrous. By 1973, Garrow had returned to his criminal ways, beginning with the kidnapping and molestation of two young girls in Syracuse.

On July 11, just before a scheduled court appearance, Garrow escalated his crimes to murder, killing 16-year-old Alicia Hauck. Just days later, he murdered Daniel Porter and his girlfriend Susan Petz in the Adirondacks, then went on to attack four campers in a remote area. The manhunt was officially underway after Garrow murdered one of the campers, Phil Domblewski, and fled into the woods.

The 12-Day Manhunt in the Adirondacks

What followed was a dramatic and dangerous pursuit across the rugged Adirondack wilderness. Garrow, a former woodsman with expert survival skills, knew how to evade capture. Using hunting camps for supplies and traveling parallel to roads to avoid detection, he remained at large for more than a week.

Local residents, fearful and uncertain of Garrow’s whereabouts, armed themselves and reported numerous false sightings. Roadblocks were set up, and police deployed helicopters, bloodhounds, and thousands of law enforcement officers in a desperate search. Despite the massive manhunt, Garrow’s knowledge of the terrain allowed him to remain undetected for several days.

The Final Confrontation and Capture

After nearly two weeks on the run, authorities closed in on Garrow’s location. On August 9, 1973, a tip from Garrow’s nephew led police to a thicket near Witherbee, where Garrow was hiding. As officers approached, Garrow attempted to flee, and conservation officer Hilary LeBlanc shot him. Garrow was captured and taken into custody, ending the 12-day manhunt.

The Trial and Aftermath

Garrow’s capture marked the beginning of a long legal process. During his trial, Garrow admitted to the murders of Alicia Hauck, Susan Petz, and Daniel Porter, as well as other violent crimes. His confessions led authorities to the bodies of Hauck and Petz, which had been buried in remote areas. The legal maneuvering surrounding his confessions—specifically the decision to withhold information in exchange for a potential plea deal—sparked significant controversy and raised questions about legal ethics.

Despite his conviction and a 25-to-life sentence, Garrow’s story didn’t end there. In 1978, he managed to escape from prison with help from his son, triggering another manhunt. Garrow was found and shot dead by correctional officers just days later.