By Aaron Miller-
A manhunt is now underway for the 38-year-old murderer and his accomplice, both of whom are armed with an AR-15 and a shotgun, after he was illegally freed from prison by a prison officer. A $10,000 bounty for information relating to their whereabouts is currently in place, according to ABC 3340.
Security footage of the event, which took place on 29 April, shows the 56-year-old widow holding a door open for White – who was still handcuffed – before the pair jumped into a black car together and sped off at approximately 9.30am.
The investigation has highlighted what authorities believe to be a romantic relationship between Vicky White, assistant director of corrections in Lauderdale County, and Casey White, who was being held at the Lauderdale County Detention Facility on murder charges, Sheriff Rick Singleton.
A warrant has been issued for Vicky White’s arrest on charges of permitting or facilitating escape in the first degree, the sheriff said Monday, as authorities grow more confident that the officer willingly aided the inmate in his escape, instead of being forced or coerced.
Sources claim that Ms White had claimed that she was merely escorting White to a mental health evaluation, although this was later confirmed to be untrue.
Ms White freed the murderer on her last appointment on the job, after 25 years of ‘exemplary’ service, with her telling colleagues that she had recently sold her home and planned to spend more time at the beach.
“I would have trusted Vicki with my life. I really mean it,” Lauderdale County District Attorney Chris Connolly told reporters. “If we needed something from the jail, she was our go-to person, a solid employee. That’s why it’s so shocking.”
The Marshals Service has since labelled Ms White a ‘wanted fugitive’, with Sheriff Rick Singleton claiming: “Knowing the inmate, I think she’s in danger, whatever the circumstance. He was in jail for capital murder, and he had nothing ”
Casey White and Vicky White . Credit: Lauderdale Sheriff’s Office
First arrested back in 2015, following a violent crime spree, White was serving a 75-year sentence for attempted murder and was set to also have an upcoming trial for killing 58-year-old Connie Ridgeway, which he confessed to, . He faces execution if convicted.
Authorities now believe the inmate and officer had a romantic relationship which extended into Vicky White’s non-work hours, according to the sheriff. They traced the relationship back to as early as 2020, when Casey White, who was already serving time in a state prison, was first brought to Lauderdale County for an arraignment, Singleton .
CCTV footage captured the moment Vicky White broke the murderer out of jail in broad daylight. Credit: WAFF 48/Lauderdale Sheriff’s Office
“As far as we know that was the earliest physical contact they had,” Singleton said, noting the pair continued to communicate after Casey White was
White has been described as a ‘dangerous monster’ who promised to kill his ex-girlfriend if he ever got out, with a police report claiming: “He wanted to kill her and have the police kill him, and that his only regret was that neither was successful.
“He stated that if he was released he would kill the victim.”
Meanwhile, another woman who White tried to kill during a burglary said she is ‘freaking out’ after discovering he is on the loose.
The unnamed woman told local news that she and her family are currently in hiding, fearful that White will track them down.
She also said she has a message for Ms White: “If she is still alive, get the hell out. Run. Run as far as you can, and turn yourself in, and contact somebody.
“Like, do the right thing before you lose your life or somebody else does.”