After 30 years, escaped prisoner turns himself in

In July, Yang Jianchun called a TV station with an incredible story: For 30 years, he had lived as a fugitive after escaping from a prison in the Gobi Desert of Northwest China.

Tired of living a life on the run, Yang – now 56 and walking with a cane – wanted to turn himself in. Not to police, but a real crime TV show that he hoped would tell his story.

“I have two daughters. That's why I decided on this. I have to live with dignity,” Yang later told the director of TV show Fazhijijiehao.

Yang of Xuzhou, Jiangsu Province was only 17 when he was sentenced to 10 years in prison for burglary and arson in 1979. He was sent to serve his time in a prison in Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region.

In 1988, with 18 months to go on his sentence, a prison wall collapsed due to constant heavy rains. He took the chance and ran into the Gobi.

Yang made it back to Xuzhou and took a new name.

However, for years he was haunted by his past.

Yang said it was a crime and law-based TV show that had taught him about the law and helped him make the final decision. “I didn't think I should hide anymore, so I decided to turn myself in through your program,” Yang told the director of Fazhijijiehao.

Xuzhou police have confirmed Yang's identity and police in Xinjiang are looking into the case. “My heart is at peace now, much more than in the past,” said Yang.