TBI Released Age-Progressed Portraits of Fugitive
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation released eight new images of Robert Houston Sanders, a fugitive on the run since 1990.
Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in Law Enforcement
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has released eight age-progressed portraits of Robert Houston Sanders to assist in the search for the longtime fugitive. Sanders escaped from Tennessee State Prison in 1990 while serving an 81-year sentence for kidnapping and armed robbery.
Why it matters
Law enforcement officials released these new images to generate fresh public leads and hopefully secure the capture of a man who has evaded authorities for over three decades. The TBI continues to seek information regarding the current whereabouts of the 62-year-old.
Robert Houston Sanders was the first person added to the TBI Most Wanted List when the program launched in 1993. The state has released eight new charcoal and paper drawings to aid in the hunt for the fugitive, who is currently 62 years old.
The players
Robert Houston Sanders
He is a convicted kidnapper and armed robber who has been a fugitive since his 1990 prison escape.
Tennessee Bureau of Investigation
This is the state law enforcement agency responsible for investigating serious crimes and maintaining the state's most wanted list.
The details
A forensic scientist created the new images using intelligence gathered from the fugitive's family and associates dating back to the 1990s. The TBI encourages anyone with information to contact 1-800-TBI-FIND as they work to resolve a case that has remained open for 36 years.
Timeline
Robert Houston Sanders escaped from Tennessee State Prison in 1990.
The TBI launched its Most Wanted List program in 1993.
The agency released new age-progressed portraits of the fugitive in October 2026.
Legal Context
The search for Robert Houston Sanders follows the operational protocols established by the 1993 launch of the TBI Most Wanted List. Sanders remains the program's longest-standing case, illustrating the challenges authorities face in tracking long-term fugitives across state lines.
Residents across the state are encouraged to review the newly released portraits to see if they recognize the individual. The agency maintains a dedicated tip line at 1-800-TBI-FIND for anyone who has information regarding the whereabouts of the fugitive.
The takeaway
Authorities rely on public assistance to help close cold cases involving long-term fugitives who may have changed their appearance over time. Anyone with relevant information should contact the state bureau to assist in this decades-old investigation.
Further reading
For more information on state investigative efforts, visit Law Enforcement.
Source note: This article includes information reported by News Channel 5 Nashville (WTVF).
