1980 — The Trial, Escape and Capture of Howard "Buddy" Jacobson
If 1979 marked the gathering storm, 1980 became the year that transformed Howard "Buddy" Jacobson's story into one of the most closely watched criminal dramas in America. Courtroom testimony, sensational newspaper headlines, an audacious jailbreak, a nationwide manhunt and an eventual cross-country capture combined to create a saga that captivated both law enforcement and the public.
January 30, 1980 — Trial Begins
On January 30, 1980, Buddy Jacobson's murder trial officially opened in the Bronx Supreme Court. Prosecutors assembled witnesses and evidence surrounding the August 1978 murder of jockey agent Jack Tupper, while defense attorney Jack Evseroff prepared an aggressive defense on behalf of his client.
As the proceedings unfolded, the courtroom became the setting for dramatic testimony from numerous witnesses. Portions of that testimony—including statements involving Melanie Cain, Anthony Haden-Guest, defense strategy, and unusual circumstances involving a member of the jury—remain reserved for publication in the forthcoming manuscript and therefore cannot yet be publicly disclosed.
Certain courtroom events from the 1980 trial remain intentionally withheld in order to preserve unpublished manuscript material.
April 12, 1980 — Salvatore Prainito Walks Free
Co-defendant Salvatore G. Prainito, who had previously been released on bail reportedly posted by organized crime associate known as "Crazy Al," ultimately walked free on April 12, 1980. His legal outcome stood in sharp contrast to the path Buddy Jacobson's case would soon take.
May 30, 1980 — The Escape
On May 30, 1980, Buddy accomplished what many believed impossible—he escaped from custody. With assistance from Tony DeRosa, Jacobson slipped away from authorities, immediately triggering an intensive multi-state manhunt.
Newspapers across the country quickly reported the daring escape, while investigators worked around the clock attempting to determine where the former horse trainer and reputed gambling figure had gone.
May–June 1980 — A Fugitive Across America
During the weeks that followed, Buddy traveled across the United States with his new girlfriend, Audrey Barrett, a young Hunter College student who became deeply entangled in one of the most dramatic chapters of his life.
The pair adopted a series of assumed identities, including the alias Anthony Zippolini, while attempting to stay one step ahead of authorities. Their journey carried them thousands of miles in a 1970 blue four-door Chevrolet Impala, moving from state to state as law enforcement agencies coordinated an expanding search.
Living under false names, changing locations frequently, and avoiding detection required constant vigilance. Every passing day increased the media attention surrounding one of the nation's most publicized fugitives.
July 9, 1980 — Capture in California
The manhunt came to an end on July 9, 1980, when Buddy Jacobson was captured in California after approximately thirty-nine days as a fugitive. His arrest brought national headlines to a close and marked the end of one of the most extraordinary escape stories connected to New York's racing world.
July 15, 1980 — Sentencing
Less than a week after his capture, Buddy returned to court. On July 15, 1980, Judge William Kapelman sentenced Howard "Buddy" Jacobson to 25 years to life in prison.
The sentence effectively closed one of the most remarkable chapters in New York criminal history. Yet many of the stories surrounding Buddy's life—including previously unpublished details involving the trial, his escape, and the people closest to him—would remain untold for decades, preserved for future publication.
1980 Timeline
- January 30: Murder trial opens in Bronx Supreme Court.
- Early 1980: Key courtroom testimony and events unfold, with select details reserved for the forthcoming manuscript.
- April 12: Salvatore G. Prainito is acquitted after previously being released on bail.
- May 30: Buddy escapes from custody with assistance from Tony DeRosa.
- May–June: Buddy and Audrey Barrett flee across America using aliases including Anthony Zippolini while driving a 1970 blue Chevrolet Impala.
- July 9: Buddy is captured in California following a 39-day manhunt.
- July 15: Judge William Kapelman sentences Buddy Jacobson to 25 years to life in prison.