An inmate who escaped from prison has sparked a nationwide manhunt who has been charged with the murder of the warden who allegedly helped him escape.
Casey White, 38, has been charged with felony murder in the death of Vicky White, 56, an Alabama official said Tuesday.
On April 29, the couple, who authorities allege had a two-year relationship, escape Lauderdale County Jail with White handcuffed Ms. White.
The manhunt began bloody when they were apprehended after a car chase with US police chiefs in Indiana.
Ms White died of a self-inflicted gunshot woundAuthorities said, and the 6ft 9in inmate was arrested.
The allegation claimed that during the escape, “White caused the death of Vicky White, who died from a gunshot to the head”. It does not specify who pulled the trigger.
Defense attorney Mark McDaniel said White, who is serving a 75-year sentence for attempted murder and other charges, will plead not guilty at a placement hearing.
Exit
Casey White and Vicky White. Photo: Lauderdale County Sheriff’s Office
On the day of her escape, Ms. White told colleagues that the prisoner, who was not related to her, needed to go to court for a mental health assessment.
Later that day, after Ms. White failed to answer her phone, authorities discovered that no assessment had been scheduled and her patrol car was found abandoned at a mall.
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Casey White arrested in Indiana
Friends and colleagues said they were bewildered by the involvement of Ms. White, who worked for the sheriff’s office for 16 years, with the prisoner.
Alabama law allows for murder if someone “causes the death of any person” while committing some other felony such as fleeing or if the person “recklessly commits an act that endangers death.” serious death to a person.”
The defense had previously blamed Ms White for the escape, saying White had been “under her care and guardianship” during his disappearance from prison.
