b: 1947
Summary
Name:
William TagerYears Active:
1994Birth:
November 09, 1947Status:
ReleasedClass:
MurdererVictims:
1Method:
ShootingNationality:
USAb: 1947
Summary: Murderer
Name:
William TagerStatus:
ReleasedVictims:
1Method:
ShootingNationality:
USABirth:
November 09, 1947Years Active:
1994Date Convicted:
November 29, 1996William Tager was born on November 9, 1947, in Charlotte, North Carolina. Not much is known about his childhood and upbringing, but his early life experiences may have shaped his later actions. He grew up in a time when television was becoming a major part of American life.
As an adult, Tager became known for his unusual beliefs. He had a strange feeling that television networks were watching him and sending messages directly into his mind. This belief would later play a significant role in his actions.
On October 4, 1986, Tager was connected to an attack on Dan Rather, a famous television journalist. During this incident, Tager was one of the assailants who approached Rather on Park Avenue. They yelled the phrase "Kenneth, what is the frequency?" This attack was later described as troubling and violent.
Years later, on August 31, 1994, Tager was involved in a more serious crime. He shot and killed Campbell Montgomery, a technician at NBC. This incident occurred outside the Today show studios in New York City.
William Tager shot and killed Campbell Theron Montgomery on August 31, 1994. Montgomery was a 33-year-old technician working for NBC. The shooting happened outside the Today show studios in New York City. Tager had tried to enter the studios while armed. Montgomery confronted him and died while trying to prevent Tager from getting inside.
Tager was arrested on the same day as the murder. He claimed that he believed television networks were watching him and sending him messages. He was previously involved in an assault on television journalist Dan Rather on October 4, 1986. Tager later stated he had assaulted Rather, tying the two incidents together in his mind.
On November 29, 1996, Tager was sentenced to 15 to 25 years in prison for first-degree murder. He was incarcerated at Sing Sing prison in New York. In 2007, he was denied parole. However, he was released on parole in October 2010. Some people have questioned Tager's role in the assault on Rather. Initial reports noted that Rather was attacked by two men, while an expert later confirmed Tager's involvement.
