A female prison guard, who went on the run with a murder suspect from an Alabama jail, has been confirmed to have died after shooting herself.
Following a police chase in Indiana, Vicky White, 58, and Casey White (no relation), 38, were arrested. Ms White later died in hospital. As reported by the BBC, the two had vanished from a prison in Lauderdale County on April 29. They were believed to have been romantically involved.
According to officials, they were last seen as she was transporting him to a bogus mental health evaluation on her last day at work before retirement. She had reportedly informed colleagues she planned to spend more time at the beach after selling her home.
READ MORE: Inside the crime empire ruled over by a 16-year-old gang boss
Late on Monday, the Vanderburgh County Coroners Office confirmed that Vicky White died in hospital after shooting herself during the arrest. Lauderdale County Sheriff Rick Singleton said that the couple's vehicle crashed after a police chase in Evansville, Indiana, at which point Casey White surrendered.
"We got a dangerous man off the street today. He is never going to see the light of day again," he said.
The US Marshals Service said the two had previously been seen on Friday driving a copper-coloured Ford Edge with an Alabama registration plate. On Monday, Sheriff Singleton described the 6ft 9in Casey White as "extremely dangerous" and advised law enforcement not to "take any chances" with him.
Meanwhile, Ms White had a spotless record as a prison guard.
"I would have trusted Vicky 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, solid employee. That's why it's so shocking."
Casey White was charged in September 2020 with murder over the stabbing of 58-year-old Connie Ridgeway. He was already serving 75 years for a series of violent crimes in 2015, including burglary, vehicle theft and a police chase.
He allegedly confessed to the murder but later pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity, and was awaiting trial at the Lauderdale County Jail when he disappeared, authorities added. He faces execution if convicted.
Sign up to t he Mancunian Way newsletter to get an in depth look at the biggest stories from our region every weekday
