WHO: Phillip Arnold Paul, schizophrenic convicted murderer

WHAT: Paul, 47, slipped away from the staff of a Washington mental institution Thursday during a group outing to the Spokane County Interstate Fair. He went to a friend’s house before any alarm was broadcast and was given a sleeping bag, a leather jacket and a ride out of town. When the friend learned of the escape, he contacted detectives and showed them where he dropped off Paul.

WHAT HAPPENED: Paul was not recaptured until three days later, almost 200 miles away. He apparently aroused no suspicion when he left for the field trip carrying a backpack loaded with clothing and food, an electric guitar and $50 from a Social Security check, even though he had escaped once before during his 22 years of institutionalization.

WHAT’S BEING DONE: Washington has halted all field trips for the criminally insane at its three state asylums.