When the FBI Comes Calling…®

May 28, 2006

By Larissa Nolan

FUGITIVE RUSSELL SET TO FIGHT EXTRADITION IN HIGHEST COURT

US FUGITIVE Frederick Russell is to fight extradition in the Supreme Court, in a desperate bid to remain here with his Irish girlfriend.

Russell became one of America's 'most-wanted' when he fled to Ireland days before he was due to stand trial in Washington state for killing three students in a high-speed car crash.

A High Court judge last week ordered his extradition- but those close to Russell told the Sunday Independent that he plans to go "all the way" in his battle to stay here.

They say the 27-year-old is deeply in love with his girlfriend Hazel McNaboe, whom he has been living with in Celbridge, Kildare, and will do anything to avoid separation.

A source said: "He is preparing for an appeal and planning to take this to the Supreme Court. From where he is standing, he is in love with an Irish girl and will do anything he can to stay with her."

Ms McNaboe has stood by her man throughout an extradition battle that has lasted seven months so far. As his extradition was ordered last Tuesday, she broke down and cried on his shoulder.

However, some observers say he has little chance of success and would be better returning to face trial in the US and spending his money on a good legal team there.

Russell, the son of a Professor of Criminal Justice, is currently facing a life sentence in jail if he is convicted. Justice Michael Peart compiled a comprehensive judgment outlining his reasons for insisting that Russell be sent back to the US.

"The judgment nailed shut his extradition, it was a thorough analysis of the case," said a source.

Justice Peart gave the American 15 days to make arrangements for his return and ordered him to spend the intervening period in jail. These 'arrangements' will be a lot more serious than packing bags and booking flights, according to international extradition lawyer Douglas McNabb.

McNabb said: "he will be handcuffed at the waist, wrists and ankles before being flown home and held in a maximum lockdown prison environment until his trial. "Russell fled to Ireland after the car crash near his hometown in Pullman, in the east of Washington states. He was due to stand trial for 'vehicular homicide'-similar to death by dangerous driving -after the high-speed collision in June 2001.

Russell, who was driving, had been drinking and had used cannabis in the hours before the crash, the court heard during his extradition case.

He has maintained his innocence. Before leaving the US, to travel through Canada, the UK and on to Ireland, he reportedly wrote a letter to his local newspaper the Daily News, asking forgiveness."

The letter, Purportedly from Russell, Read: "I left because I had no choice. People are so enraged they would rather see me dead that receive a fair trial.

"I would, without hesitation, trade places with any of the victims, but I don't have that choice. Understand, nothing occurred as the prosecutor and the media would have you believe. I maintain my innocence. Please forgive me."

Russell lived in Ireland under the alias David Carroll and worked as a security guard in Extrovert boutique in Dublin, until someone recognized him.

He initially denied being the man they were looking for, but his two distinctive tattoos-a Celtic cross and a shamrock-confirmed his identity.