Fugitive killer of one-year-old girl who escaped during hospital trip is recaptured in North Carolina hotel
Ramone Alston was serving a life term in prison
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A North Carolina murderer who escaped from prison this week has been recaptured, authorities announced during a news conference on Friday.
Ramone Alston, 30, escaped from custody while being transported to a medical appointment at UNC Hospitals Hillsborough Campus around 7am on Tuesday. He managed to break free from his leg restraints, and, while in handcuffs, jumped out of the vehicle he was being transported in and ran into adjacent woods.
Police advised the public to stay away from him, saying he was considered dangerous. “People make rash decisions at a time like this; he’s already made one very large rash decision this morning,” Keith Acree, a spokesperson for the Department of Adult Correction, told reporters.
Around 2am on Friday, authorities recaptured Alston about 100 miles away at a hotel in Kannapolis, North Carolina.
He was taken into custody without incident, police said.
Jacobia Crisp, a woman believed to have helped Alston escape, was taken into custody in Alamance County and charged with felony aiding and abetting a fugitive. She’s since posted bond, officials said.
During the news conference, police said they believe a relationship between the two started several months ago. The relationship developed by phone and after Alston was imprisoned.
It’s not clear what the nature of the relationship was between Alston and Crisp or how they met. Investigators said they’re looking into whether anyone else helped him escape, Orange County Sheriff Charles Blackwood said.
Alston will be charged with felony escape from prison. He’s been transported to Granville Correctional Center, the most secure unit in the state’s prison system. There, he will resume his term while waiting for court appearances on the escape charges.
He was serving a life sentence for first degree murder in the death of Maleah Williams, who was playing outside with her toys on Christmas Day when she was hit by gunfire. Alston was convicted of the girl’s murder in 2015.
Officials said they’ll be reviewing the incident to determine what changes need to be made to the state’s prison system, if any.
“We’re conducting an internal investigation and an after action review that will identify areas for improvement based on lessons we learned during this incident,” said Secretary Todd Ishee of the North Carolina Department of Adult Correction.
Authorities offered a $50,000 reward to anyone with knowledge about Alston’s whereabouts. Ishee said the department will be conducting an assessment into whether any person should benefit from the funds.
Hundreds of law enforcement officials helped search for Alston, using helicopters, canine resources and ground searchers.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments