Notorious Criminal's Six-Month Prison Escape Plot Revealed
The infamous criminal, known as the "Monster of the Mountains", conducted a strategic, six-month-long plan that enabled him to break out from a prison in Arkansas. His successful escape strategy was attributed to the lax security in the prison kitchen, where he was assigned to work.
Details of the Escape
The escape plan was discovered during an internal review of the incident. The review revealed that the criminal was able to gather necessary supplies due to the lack of strict security measures in the kitchen. The investigating team discovered a detailed account of his planning stage and the loopholes he exploited, which ultimately led to his escape from the facility.
The convict was recaptured within a couple of weeks, not far from the prison. It was initially suspected that he had fled the state, but scent-tracking dogs found him approximately a mile and a half west of the prison's North Central Unit.
The search for the escapee was challenging due to the rugged terrain of northern Arkansas and the heavy rain at the time. The search team used dogs, drones, and helicopters to find him.
Creating a Disguise
The criminal managed to escape by crafting a uniform designed to resemble that of law enforcement personnel. He had spent half a year planning his escape, using black markers and discarded laundry from the kitchen to create the fake uniform. He even manufactured a counterfeit badge from a can's lid.
He confessed that he hid his escape gear at the bottom of a trash can in the kitchen, a place that was never searched. This oversight was one of the major factors that contributed to his escape.
Consequences for Prison Staff
As a result of the escape, two prison employees were fired for violating procedures that indirectly facilitated the convict's escape. These employees included a kitchen staff member who left him unattended on a back dock and a tower guard who opened the back gate without verifying his identity. Additionally, several other employees received suspensions, and one was demoted.
The convict stated in his investigation that the kitchen staff was very laid-back about security, which allowed him to gather what he needed for his escape. He insisted that he had no assistance from the staff or fellow inmates. It was also revealed that he had built a ladder from wooden pallets to climb the prison fence, but he didn't need to use it.
Life on the Run
After his escape, the criminal survived on food he had smuggled out from the prison and distilled water from a machine. He also consumed creek water and foraged for berries, bird eggs, and ants.
He revealed that his initial plan was to hide in the woods for as long as six months, if necessary, and then start moving west out of the area.
Background of the Escaped Convict
Before becoming notorious, the criminal had served as the police chief of a small town in Arkansas, which led to him being the subject of a TV documentary titled "Monster of the Mountains".
He was serving multiple sentences after pleading guilty to charges of both rape and murder. His crimes included the fatal shooting of a 59-year-old man and a 1997 rape case where his DNA matched the samples taken.
Post-Escape Measures
Following his recapture, the criminal was transferred to a maximum-security prison. He has pleaded not guilty to escape charges, and his trial is scheduled for later this year.
Since the escape, officials have taken several steps to prevent future incidents, including the removal of electric locks from the gates to ensure someone cannot simply walk out without an officer present. The report also recommends the installation of additional cameras after discovering a blind spot on the dock used by the escapee. The proposal also suggests that future contraband searches should include mechanical rooms and side rooms.