Inmate still on the run after weeklong Mississippi jail riots
An inmate who escaped Saturday from a Mississippi state penitentiary is still on the run, while a second inmate who escaped with him is back in custody.
The escapes came after a week of violent prison riots across the Magnolia State that left five inmates dead and others injured.
On Sunday, U.S. Rep. Bennie Thompson, D-Miss., said he would ask for a federal investigation into the system’s safety and security procedures:
Tomorrow, I will be requesting that the U.S. Attorney General launch an investigation into the ongoing failures in safety, security, health, and environmental standards within the Mississippi Department of Corrections. This is unacceptable.
— Bennie G. Thompson (@BennieGThompson) January 5, 2020
Riots across the Mississippi Department of Corrections facilities began between Christmas and New Year's. Fights between inmates happened at the state pen in Parchman as well as a jail in Chickasaw County.
Dillion Williams, 27, and David May, 42, escaped Saturday from the Parchman jail, but May was captured Sunday morning, according to the Mississippi Bureau of Investigations.
PRESS RELEASE: INMATE CAPTURE pic.twitter.com/HFRojUgrUw
— MSMBI (@MDPSMBI) January 5, 2020
May is serving a life sentence for aggravated assault in Harrison County, while Williams is serving 40 years for aggravated assault and burglary in Marshall County, according to the Clarion Ledger.
On Sunday, outgoing Gov. Phil Bryant said law enforcement officials are working to end the crisis:
DPS and MBI officers have been responding to restore order and apprehend the two escapees. I have directed the use of all necessary assets and personnel to achieve this result. Over 500 inmates have been moved to a more secure detention and a general lockdown continues. pic.twitter.com/EfMSvLT9UJ
— Phil Bryant (@PhilBryantMS) January 4, 2020
The Mississippi Legislature convenes Tuesday at the state Capitol in Jackson, and some lawmakers are already weighing in on the jail crisis, according to WLOX.
“The only way to fix this is money, period,” said state Sen. Joel Carter. “Mississippi is in great financial shape right now; we just have to be responsible about it. The guards are underpaid, and the pay isn’t worth it. They’re only paid $25,000, and money is always an issue.”
On Twitter, Gov.-elect Tate Reeves said much work needs to be done to resolve the crisis:
There is much work to be done in our correctional system. Until the transition, we will be working to get more information and offering our assistance to the current leadership.
— Tate Reeves (@tatereeves) January 3, 2020
»MORE: Deadly Mississippi jail riots continue; five dead
The entire state jail system remains under lockdown.
