A convicted murderer who escaped from a Mississippi prison on Christmas Eve has been recaptured. Drew Johnson, 35, was apprehended Wednesday near the South Mississippi Correctional Institution after a two-day search.
Convicted murderer recaptured after Christmas Eve prison escape | Click on the image to read the full story https://t.co/BxbslUZ9M1
— KOAT.com (@koat7news) December 26, 2024
Johnson, who was serving a life sentence for a 2016 murder in Memphis, was described as a dangerous fugitive by state authorities. Officials warned residents to be cautious during the manhunt, noting that the holiday season often lowers vigilance. The escape triggered heightened security in surrounding areas.
Drew Johnson, 33, who escaped from South Mississippi Correctional Institution on Christmas Eve, has been recaptured near the prison on Christmas Day. Johnson, described as "extremely dangerous" & "desperate," was serving a life sentence for multiple violent offenses, including… pic.twitter.com/v5aiCL95tB
— True Crime Updates (@TrueCrimeUpdat) December 26, 2024
The inmate’s record includes multiple violent crimes. He attacked another prisoner with a brick in 2021 and was convicted of arson in 2019. Johnson also faces an unresolved murder case in Rankin County, Mississippi.
🚨🇺🇸 MISSISSIPPI POLICE HUNT FOR ESCAPED KILLER
Drew Johnson, 33, pulled a holiday disappearing act yesterday, escaping from the South Mississippi Correctional Institution in Leakesville, about 122 miles northeast of New Orleans, Louisiana.
He was serving life for a 2022… pic.twitter.com/gGYr1esNEa
— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) December 25, 2024
The Leakesville facility, where Johnson was held, is the newest prison in Mississippi. Law enforcement has not shared details on how Johnson managed to escape but confirmed he will face charges for the breakout.
The Mississippi Department of Corrections has announced the capture of a convicted killer who escaped on Christmas Eve. https://t.co/GNWbEBXIap
— Corpus Christi Caller-Times (@callerdotcom) December 27, 2024
Johnson’s capture ensures that he will remain in custody for his extensive list of crimes.
