Many sports fans knew a few things about Reuben Foster. We knew he was a top linebacker prospect and that he got an Auburn tattoo before decommitting and signing to play with Alabama. But many of us did not know that his father was a fugitive who escaped jail in 1996 after being indicted for shooting him and his mother.
US Marshals said they captured Danny Foster, 41, in Miami on Friday, according to The Associated Press. Foster allegedly shot his wife, Inita Barry Paige, in 1996 while she was holding Reuben, who was 18 months old at the time.
Danny Foster was indicted in Alabama, fled to California where he was caught and extradited back to Randolph County. He escaped jail and has been a fugitive since Dec. 1996.
Foster was found in Florida where he had assumed a new identity, living as Jefferson McClendon. He will be extradited back to Randolph County.
Paige was shot in the back and suffered a collapsed lung from the shooting. She had mixed feelings about her estranged husband’s capture.
“I was relieved and sad all at the same time,” Paige told AL.com Friday. “I was relieved because he got caught but I was sad because some of the pain and memories that our kids will have to go through about it.
“I didn’t think they were going to catch him. I really didn’t,” Paige said. “Thank the Lord that they did. I just thought maybe it was just a (lost) hope.
“I’ll be able to relax and not worry anymore. I’m just glad it’s over.”
Foster also seemed to be happy about his father’s capture. He wrote the following notes on his Twitter account:
Tears pooring!!! Never knew him but ain’t nothin like a real father when you keep asking Foster side where your dad at and they lie about!!!
— Reuben Foster (@reubenfoster_FG) February 9, 2013
I knew he was out there but his family had to be hiding him!! I ask about you daddy every time we was… instagr.am/p/Vfgkzmy-is/
— Reuben Foster (@reubenfoster_FG) February 9, 2013
Foster already has his own child. Based on his experience, you have to believe he will be dedicated to being a part of his daughter’s life.
