Four murder defendants managed to escape from Georgia State Prison on July 28, 1980 by dressing as corrections officers. One of them was Troy Leon Gregg, an alleged double murderer whose legal case had established the foundation for contemporary death penalty jurisprudence and become a landmark for the US Supreme Court.
Despite their successful escape, Gregg’s freedom was short-lived. The details of what transpired that evening vary, but one thing is certain: Gregg’s body was discovered in a nearby lake, battered and floating.
The night he was freed from death row, he was murdered.
The Crime That Put Troy Leon Gregg At The Center Of A Landmark Supreme Court Case
The story of Gregg’s trial and escape is now inextricably linked to the law governing the death penalty in the United States, but if it weren’t for the Supreme Court decision that condemned him, his name might have been forgotten by history.
On November 21, 1973, 25-year-old Troy Leon Gregg and his traveling companion, 16-year-old Floyd Allen, were hitchhiking north in Florida when they were picked up by two men by the names of Fred Simmons and Bob Moore.
According to court records, the car broke down somewhere along the way. Fortunately, Simmons had enough money on him to buy a second car, and the four travelers continued their journey, eventually picking up Dennis Weaver as a third hitchhiker.
Weaver had been traveling with the others during the day, but as they were passing through Atlanta at around 11 p.m., he requested to be dropped off. Simmons and Moore, however, continued on with Gregg and Allen until the group of four ultimately decided to stop for a break somewhere along the highway.
Simmons became aggressive during their stop, according to testimony given by Gregg later.
Gregg claimed that Fred “hit me on the left jaw and knocked me in the drainage ditch.” I don’t know what he had in his hand; it might have been a knife or a pipe, but when he came at me the second time, I shot him. He hit me the second time and sent me flying back into the drainage ditch.
Allen’s account of the events suggests that Gregg never felt like he was in danger, despite Gregg’s attempts to claim the shootings were carried out in self-defense.
In accordance with Allen’s testimony, Gregg turned to him and reportedly said, “Get out, we’re going to rob them.”
Gregg shot Simmons and Moore three times; as a result, both men were knocked into a nearby drainage ditch. Gregg approached the two men while Allen watched, shot a single shot into each of their heads, and then took whatever was in their pockets. Allen was then instructed to board the vehicle, and they departed.
The following morning, Simmons and Moore’s bodies were discovered in the ditch, and a local newspaper reported their death the following day. Weaver grabbed a piece of paper and headed to the police after spotting the two men. He provided a description of the vehicle and information about his traveling companions, Gregg and Allen, who were found in it the following day.
Additionally, Gregg still possessed the.25 caliber firearm he had used to murder Simmons and Moore as well as bullets that were identical to those discovered in the ditch.
Additionally, Gregg instructed Allen in a letter from solitary confinement what to say in his testimony.
Ultimately, Troy Leon Gregg was accused of both armed robbery and murder, and he was found guilty of both crimes.
Gregg’s trial also took place soon after Furman v. Georgia, a significant decision that raised the issue of whether the death penalty qualified as cruel and unusual punishment. The 1972 case invalidated all then-current death penalty laws, obliging states to enact new ones.
Gregg’s case is noteworthy for this reason: Troy Leon Gregg was found guilty and given the death penalty, which forever altered how the death penalty would be applied in American law.
Gregg v. Georgia: The Supreme Court Case That Restored the Death Penalty.
Following the Furman decision, states started to change their death penalty laws. Many chose to completely abolish the death penalty, while others mandated it as a punishment for murder.
According to The Marshall Project, Georgia just so happened to decide that it could be applied if a jury discovered “aggravating” factors. Georgia would also guarantee appellate review of all death sentences and divide capital trials into phases to determine guilt or innocence prior to sentencing.
Before convicting Gregg, the jury was asked three questions: Did Gregg commit the murders while also committing another capital felony? Did he murder the victims with the intent to steal their money and car? Did the murder involve torture, mental depravity, or an aggravated battery to the victim? Was it outrageously or wantonly vile, horrible, or inhuman?”
The jury quickly decided that the first two requirements had been satisfied because it appeared Gregg had intended to commit an armed robbery. But the third factor required some more explanation.
Gregg basically proved that Georgia’s method was sufficient to establish non-arbitrariness and that the death penalty satisfied the Constitution when it was not influenced by arbitrary factors. The decision contributed to securing the trial’s now-familiar progression from the guilt or innocence phase to the phases. All death sentences will also be subject to appellate review.
Troy Leon Gregg was the first person whose death sentence was upheld by the United States on July 2, 1976. He also took part in the first successful escape from a Georgia death row. Supreme Court following the Furman ruling.
The Prison Break of Troy Leon Gregg and His Death Right After
Troy Leon Gregg attempted to avoid death on July 28, 1980, nearly seven years after he killed Bob Moore and Fred Simmons.
Gregg and three other murderers were being held at Georgia State Prison, awaiting their execution, when they created a plan to escape, according to a report in True Crime Magazine.
They were able to saw through the bars of their cells and a window in a workout room of the building. Once they arrived at a fire escape, they shimmied along the ledge outside.
Gregg and his fellow escapees also changed their pajamas to resemble corrections officer uniforms. They were apparently convincing enough that when real corrections officers stopped them, they let the escaping criminals go because they thought they were coworkers performing “security checks.”
However, different accounts exist for what transpired after the escape. According to some accounts, Gregg complained to an Albany Herald reporter about “inhumane conditions” just hours after his escape, and the reporter immediately informed the prison authorities.
Others claim that Gregg wrote to his wife about the escape and that when he told the other escapees, they became so furious that they beat him to death and dumped his body in the lake. And according to other tales, the fugitives got into a fight while intoxicated.
Whichever version of events is accurate, Gregg’s body is always discovered in a lake with signs of a fight and bruises on it.
Troy Leon Gregg may have escaped death row, but it seems he could not escape death.
How 'Brad's Drink' Became Pepsi-Cola
Pepsi was first introduced as “Brad’s Drink” in New Bern, North Carolina, United States, in 1893 by Caleb Bradham, who made it at his drugstore where the drink was sold. It was renamed Pepsi Cola in 1898, named after the digestive enzyme pepsin and kola nuts used in the recipe.
Apple Watch saves a 78 year old man from life threatening fall
An Apple watch saved the life of a 78-year-old man from North Carolina. When the man was unconscious and collapsed on his driveway, his Apple watch quickly sent an alert to emergency services.
Paramedic Rescues Doctor Who Saved Him 30 Years Earlier
In 1981, a doctor helped save the life of a 3.2 pounds premature baby boy. Thirty years later, the boy, who had grown up to be a firefighter-paramedic, helped in saving the same doctor from a car accident.
Passenger with No Flying Experience Lands Plane in Florida: A Real-Life Aviation Miracle
A passenger with no flying experience landed a twin-engine plane in Florida after the pilot died mid-flight. With guidance from air traffic control, he safely touched down—a real-life aviation miracle caught on radar and radio.
Man's Blood Helped Save Millions of Babies
Australian blood donor James Harrison has been one of our most impressive and valued donors, having donated for 60 years. Know his story, how he was a pioneer of our Anti-D program, and why this matters.
'Super obedient' lookout parrot trained by Brazilian drug dealers is seized by police
In 2019, police in Brazil seized a 'super obedient' lookout parrot trained by drug dealers. According to reports, the bird had been taught to alert criminals to police operations by shouting: "Mum, the police!" As soon as the police got close, he started shouting.
LEGO Braille Bricks: Revolutionizing Braille Learning Through Play and Inclusion
go Braille Bricks were launched in 2020 to help visually impaired children learn Braille through play. Each brick features the Braille alphabet and is fully compatible with standard Lego sets, allowing sighted peers to join in, fostering inclusivity and collaboration in learning environments.
stranded hikers rescued by a life-saving iPhone feature
Stranded hikers were rescued by a life-saving iPhone feature that an awful lot of folks don't know a lot about.
How Being Bugs Bunny Helped This Voice Actor Out of Coma
Mel Blanc; the voice of Bugs Bunny, had been in a serious car accident that put him in a coma. After many unsuccessful attempts to get him to talk, a doctor asked “Bugs, can you hear me” Mel responded in the voice of bugs bunny, “Whats up, Doc? The doctors used this to lead him out of his coma.
How hero parrot saved little girl who was choking on her breakfast
In 2008 Quaker parrot Willie alerted his owner Megan Howard when the little girl she was babysitting began to choke. Howard was in the bathroom when the parrot repeatedly yelled "Mama! Baby!" flapping his wings. Megan rushed and performed the Heimlich maneuver, saving her life. Willie received the Red Cross Animal Lifesaver Award.
The Inspiring Journey of Francis Tsai, Marvel Comics artist diagnosed with ALS
Francis Tsai, an American illustrator and conceptual artist who worked for Marvel Comics, was diagnosed with ALS in 2010. After he lost the ability to move his hands and arms, he started painting digitally on his cellphone with his right big toe. After he could not move his feet anymore, he began using eye-gaze technology to keep drawing.
Inspiring story of Emma Schols who Saved Her Six Kids From A Burning House
Emma Schols, a Swedish mother, saved all six of her children from a devastating house fire in 2019, running from room to room through flames while bleeding and losing skin. Against all odds, she survived with severe burns covering 90% of her body.
Morgan’s Wonderland, the world’s first ultra-accessible amusement park
Gordon Hartman was heartbroken when his special needs daughter, Morgan, was rejected by a group of children playing by the hotel poolside. He then set out to build a place where all children can play together. This led to the development of the world’s first ultra-accessible amusement park, Morgan’s Wonderland
World's largest iceberg breaks off Antarctica
In 1986, the iceberg known as A23a broke away from the Antarctic coast. However, it quickly grounded in the Weddell Sea, effectively turning into an ice island.
Beyoncé and Jay-Z's Hospital Security Blocked NICU Access for Father of Premature Twins
A father was denied access to see his premature twins in the NICU when Beyonce and Jay-Z had their daughter at the same time.
The Man Who Survived Falling Through a Thunderstorm, William Rankin
William Rankin was a fighter pilot who survived an ejection into a thunderstorm. He suffered frostbite, violent wind and lightning, severe decompression, and nearly drowned from breathing in rain water. He was in the cloud for over 40 minutes in total.
Neerja Bhanot, the braveheart flight attendant was never run away from a crisis
Neeja Bhanot, a 22 year old Indian flight attendant who helped hides 41 American passports aboard a hijacked plane. She died shielding three children from gunfire and was posthumously awarded bravery medals from India, Pakistan, and the United States.
Timothy Ray Brown, who inspired millions of HIV-positive people, died of leukemia
Timothy Ray Brown, also known as "The Berlin Patient," was the first person to be HIV-free. He was diagnosed with leukemia in 2006 and had a bone marrow transplant in 2007 as part of his treatment. The transplant helped him overcome the otherwise incurable disease thanks to the rare, HIV-resistant donor.
Story of Forrest Fenn and who he hid a bronze chest treasure full of gold and other jewels
Forrest Fenn, an art dealer, hid a bronze chest full of gold and other jewels somewhere in the Rocky Mountains ten years ago. In a poem, he hinted at its location. Thousands of people tried and failed to find the treasure, which is said to be worth over a million dollars, and at least four people died in the process. In June 2020, the Fenn treasure was discovered.
A man joins a search operation without realizing he is the missing person
Beyhan Mutlu, a Turkish national, was reported missing by local media and unintentionally joined search teams looking for himself in a forest. He was drunk and lost in the woods when he ended up in a group with others looking for himself.
Aitzaz Hasan, Pakistani school boy who sacrificed his life from suicide bomber
Aitzaz Hasan, a 15 year old Pakistani school boy, sacrificed his life while preventing a suicide bomber from entering his school of 2000 students. His father said "My son made his mother cry but saved hundreds of mothers from crying for their children."
Woman had no idea she had an identical twin until she saw a 'lookalike' on YouTube
When Anais Bordier saw a YouTube video of Samantha Futerman, who looked exactly like her, she messaged her on Facebook and discovered they were both adopted and born on the same day. They were identical twins who had been separated at birth and had found each other by chance and on social media.
Mystery of 300-year-old mummified mermaid is being probed
There is a 300-year-old mummified mermaid with 30 centimetres tall and features a human-like head, two hands with what appear to be fingernails, and its lower body that look like a fish tail. The “mermaid mummy” is being probed by Japanese scientists in an attempt to unravel the mystery of its existence.
Megamouth Shark And Her Babies Found Dead In The Philippines
Filipino zoologists have recorded a pregnant megamouth shark for the first time ever since the rare aquatic specie was discovered in 1974.
A flight attendant uses a secret note to save a teen girl from sex trafficking
The flight attendant Shelia Fredrick. She spotted a distressed girl with an older man. She left a note in the restroom on which the victim wrote that she needed some help. The girl was rescued from a human trafficker after the authorities were informed.
