U.S. Fugitive George Wright Said To Have Serious Health Problems

ALMOCAGEME, Portugal — The wife of captured American fugitive said Friday her husband has various health problems and should not be extradited to the United States.

said in an interview with The Associated Press at their home that Wright suffers from glaucoma, "very, very high" blood pressure caused by recent stress, and has complained of chest pains.

"We're having a bunch of tests done to see what's his current health condition," Valente said.

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"I didn't initially realize how bad he was. Now I've got to know him, I know his problems," Ferreira told the AP.

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U.S. Justice Department spokeswoman Laura Sweeney, contacted via email, declined to comment on the case, which could last months.

Wright, 68, was on the run for 41 years until his arrest in Portugal a month ago. He was convicted of the murder of Walter Patterson, a service station worker in Wall Township. He broke out of the Bayside State Prison in Leesburg, New Jersey, in 1970 after serving more than seven years.

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