Authorities in Mississippi have successfully captured two inmates who escaped from the Claiborne County Detention Center while awaiting trial for murder. The escapees, Tyrekennel Collins, 24, and Dezarrious Johnson, 18, were found inside an abandoned home in Claiborne County following an extensive manhunt.
The escape occurred when Collins and Johnson were captured on surveillance footage escaping through the ceiling and breaching an outside wall around 2:20 a.m. Johnson sustained an injury to his right leg during the escape, resulting in a noticeable limp as he attempted to evade authorities.
Law enforcement officials had issued warnings to the public, emphasizing that both individuals were considered dangerous, prompting a swift response from the community to aid in their capture.
Both Collins and Johnson are currently awaiting trial on separate murder charges in different counties. Collins is facing charges related to the October 2023 murder of his cousin in Copiah County, while Johnson is accused of murder and aggravated assault in Jefferson County stemming from an incident in October 2022.
Johnson's trial was scheduled to commence on October 15, adding urgency to the apprehension of the escaped inmates. Sheriff Edward Goods confirmed that both Collins and Johnson will now face additional charges of escape in addition to their existing murder charges.
The successful capture of the escaped inmates brings relief to the community and law enforcement agencies, ensuring that justice can proceed unhindered in the pending murder trials. The collaborative efforts of authorities and the public played a crucial role in swiftly locating and apprehending Collins and Johnson, underscoring the importance of community vigilance in maintaining public safety.