SEA-TAC— Finally, Edward Chrisman is home. The Arlington man, 89, arrived at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport about 1 p.m. today and back into the arms of his family. He’d earlier spent 65 days in a Mexican prison for a crime he and his family insists he did not commit
“It’s good to be home in the U.S.,” Chrisman said before leaving the airport with his family.
The Arlington man was released in mid-March, but has since been recovering in Yuma, Ariz. He’d been visiting Mexico for years without incident.
Chrisman’s family waited anxiously today at the airport, holding clutches of red, white and blue balloons, and a banner welcoming him home. He was returned to them in a wheelchair
When his family spotted him, they rushed to his side. His daughter, Marie Saxton of Arlington reached out and Chrisman rose to greet her embrace.
The trouble in Mexico nearly killed Chrisman and cost his family thousands of dollars and countless hours of worry. His case drew international attention and anger on both sides of the border.
It all started on Jan. 8, when Chrisman’s grandson, Gary Chrisman Jr., invited him on a quick trip across the border to Algodones, Mexico. The small, dusty border town is known for catering to Americans who seek cut-rate dental and medical services.
Gary Chrisman Jr., who lives in Yuma and works as a security guard at an Arizona military facility, needed dental work. He invited his grandfather along for company. What happened after the dental work is in dispute.
The family says the pair stopped at a convenience store for a soda. Gary Chrisman Jr. went into the store and took a few photos of fully-clothed girls. The girls’ mother was there and reportedly granted permission. He gave her $25, but she demanded more, he told his family. When Gary Chrisman refused, she called police.
Mexican police arrested both men.
By all reports of those directly involved, Edward Chrisman never went into the store. Nonetheless, Mexican prosecutors accused both men of approaching a 13-year-old girl in her mother’s shop and asking to take pictures of her naked.
Edward Chrisman won his freedom after a Mexican federal judge on Feb. 9 examined what happened in the case and ruled the man’s rights had been violated. Although it was an emergency hearing, he remained behind bars until March 14, when the paperwork finally reached the Mexicali prison where he was being detained.
Edward Chrisman has spent the last month and a half recovering from the ordeal. He said he has no plans to return to Mexico — ever.
Despite the joy over Edward Chrisman’s release, the family continues to worry for Chrisman’s grandson, Gary Chrisman Jr. He remains in prison awaiting a trial.
In Arlington, people who have known Edward Chrisman for most of his life are outraged this could happen to a man who by all accounts has led a blameless life.
An Arlington resident for most of his life, Chrisman is described by family as a religious man who has attended the Arlington Assembly of God Church for decades. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. He worked as a civil service machinist for the Navy before retiring years ago.
Edward Chrisman was married to his wife, Norma, for 63 years. He cared for her until her death from Alzheimer’s disease in 2007.
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