Alston, an inmate serving a life sentence, has been transferred to the high-security maximum control unit at Granville Correctional Institution, following his recent escape. This facility is the most secure within the state prison system, according to Todd Ishee, the Department of Public Safety Secretary, who addressed the media on Friday afternoon. Alston may face additional charges related to his escape.
Online court records did not immediately provide details of the case or list an attorney who could comment on Alston’s behalf.
“While we can’t provide specifics about how Alston was located, I can assure you it was the result of exceptional investigative work and dedication from the team assembled to work on this escape,” Ishee said. “I’m grateful for the people standing here with me today and the hundreds of officers, deputies, agents, and investigators they represent, all of whom worked tirelessly this week with great collaboration to bring Alston back into custody.”
Ishee mentioned that officials would determine if anyone qualifies for the reward offered for information leading to Alston’s capture. Additionally, the department is conducting an internal investigation and review to identify areas for improvement. The officers who were transporting Alston during his escape have not been placed on leave but have been reassigned to non-transportation duties.
Alston has been serving a life sentence at Bertie Correctional Institution in Windsor since his conviction for the killing of one-year-old Maleah Williams. Maleah was shot on Christmas Day in 2015 from a passing car while playing outside her family’s apartment in Chapel Hill. She succumbed to her injuries three days later.
Shortly after Alston's escape, a woman described as his acquaintance was arrested in Alamance County and charged with felony aiding and abetting a fugitive. Investigators believe she drove Alston around, though details about when or where this occurred, or if she was the only one involved, remain unclear, according to department spokesperson Keith Acree.
Orange County Sheriff Charles Blackwood stated at the news conference that Alston’s relationship with the woman began several months ago and was mostly conducted by phone. Officials are investigating whether anyone else was involved in assisting Alston during his escape.
No comments:
Post a Comment