Jealousy Explodes Into Murder

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Glen Godwin at his murder trial where he stood accused of stabbing his former friend Kim LeValley 26 times in August of 1980.

Police say Glen Stewart Godwin is a convicted killer, a known escape artist, and one of the FBI's Ten Most Wanted fugitives.

Godwin's tale of trouble begins in Palm Springs, Calif, where he and Kim LeValley became fast friends. Godwin was jealous of LeValley's wealth and wanted his own piece of the good life. On August 18, 1980, he decided to rob LeValley. Godwin lured LeValley over to his house to play tennis, but Godwin was serving up murder.

Godwin stabbed LeValley 26 times with a kitchen knife and had accomplices discard the body. Police say they tossed LeValley's body in the back of a truck and drove him to a remote area of California, using homemade explosives to blow up the truck and eliminate any evidence. However, according to police, the force of the blast caused LeValley's torso to be thrown from the vehicle.

After the body was identified, Godwin was arrested and charged with first degree murder. He was convicted and sentenced to 26 years to life in prison. Godwin served time in numerous California facilities, and following a failed escape attempt, he was moved to Folsom State maximum security prison.

Godwin Makes His First Break

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Glen Godwin and his wife, Shelly, who was ultimately arrested for aiding Godwin in his 1987 Folsom Prison break.

Upon arrival at Folsom State Prison, Godwin's files were tampered with, and he was only classified as medium security. As a result, he was placed on a maintenance crew, permitted contact visits and was not under strict supervision.

His most frequent visitor was his wife, Shelly Rose Godwin. Officials believe that Shelly relayed plans for the escape from Godwin to his accomplice, Lorenz Karlic. Police believe Karlic broke into Folsom State Prison to provide a pathway for Godwin to escape. On June 5, 1987, everything was set for the escape: all Godwin had to do was follow the trail left by Karlic.

Corrections authorities say Godwin, who was working lawn maintenance that day, made his big break. Police say he climbed through the storm drain to a raft that was left for him on the bank of the American River. Authorities say Godwin then paddled his way to the other side of the river, climbed up the embankment, and escaped to freedom.

Godwin: On the Run Again

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This is a digitally enhanced photo of Glen Godwin, a convicted murderer and prison escapee who may be hiding out in Mexico.

Godwin was on the run until officials caught up with him in Mexico, five months after his escape from Folsom. Godwin, using the alias Michael Stewart Carrera, was arrested on November 4, 1987, in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico for drug trafficking. Officials say he was captured with 30 grams of cocaine. 

Godwin was convicted of drug charges and sentenced to seven years at Puente Grande Federal Prison in Guadalajara, Mexico.

The FBI made a request to Mexican authorities in hopes of bringing Godwin to justice in the United States. Before he could go anywhere, officials say Godwin allegedly murdered a fellow inmate; five months later, on September 26, 1991, the FBI says Godwin escaped again, this time from the Puente Grande Federal Prison.

On December 7, 1996, Glen Godwin was named to the FBI's Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list, and he's been there ever since.

Wanted For:

• Escape , Represa , CA ; Jun 1987
• Escape , Guadalajara , Mexico ; Sep 26, 1991
• Murder (1st degree) , Palm Springs , CA

(Information valid as of August 9, 2009)

Associated Persons:

Shelly Godwin
Fugitive
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