• News
  • Film and TV
  • Music
  • Tech
  • Features
  • Celebrity
  • Politics
  • Weird
  • Community
  • Advertise
  • Terms
  • Privacy & Cookies
  • LADbible Group
  • LADbible
  • SPORTbible
  • GAMINGbible
  • Tyla
  • UNILAD Tech
  • FOODbible
  • License Our Content
  • About Us & Contact
  • Jobs
  • Latest
  • Topics A-Z
  • Authors
Facebook
Instagram
X
Threads
TikTok
YouTube
Submit Your Content
Murder suspect sprints out of courtroom after sheriff removes restraints

Home> News

Published 15:04 11 Mar 2023 GMT

Murder suspect sprints out of courtroom after sheriff removes restraints

Edi Villalobos, 28, fled the courtroom and went on the run after his shackles were removed.

Gregory Robinson

Gregory Robinson

The moment a murder suspect escaped a courtroom and fled, resulting in a large scale police manhunt, was captured on security cameras.

You can watch the dramatic scenes below:

Edi Villalobos, 28, who was charged with the 2021 murder of 33-year-old Artemio Guzman-Olvera, escaped the Washington County Courthouse during the jury selection process on 27 February.

Security cameras inside the courthouse were recording as two officers escorted the alleged murderer into the courtroom before they sat him down in a chair.

Advert

He faced several charges including murder in the second degree, two counts of burglary in the first degree, unlawful use of a weapon, reckless driving and reckless endangerment.

Both his leg shackles and handcuffs were removed as per state law. Accused individuals must be unshackled while in front of a jury to avoid influencing the jurors’ decision.

However no jurors were in the courtroom when Villalobos escaped the courtroom.

Villalobos' shackles and handcuffs were removed.
Washington County Sheriff's Office

Advert

The Washington County Sheriff’s Department in Hillsboro, Oregon, released the tense footage on Friday (10 March).

It didn’t take long for Villalobos to try and escape as he swiftly stood up and ran for the door in the back of the courtroom. Wearing black slacks, a blue shirt and black trousers, he raced through the first-floor hallway out a staff-only entrance as two deputies chased after him.

Re-capturing the accused criminal was no easy feat as a two-hour manhunt ensued following his escape.

A shelter-in-place message was broadcasted out to local residents as Villalobos was on the loose.

Advert

Law enforcement had seen Villalobos twice which led to foot pursuits but he was able to avoid capture both times.

Edi Villalobos.
Washington County Sheriff's Office

Drones, K-9 units and two local police departments helped in the sheriff’s deputies search for the man.

Police were fortunate to get a tip by a resident in an apartment complex on the 300 block of Southeast 4th Avenue, about a man attempting to break into a property.

Advert

Law enforcement found Villalobos in an empty apartment where he tried to avoid being taken back into custody by hiding from cops.

Villalobos’ trial for the stabbing of Guzman-Olvera on 10 April 2021 was originally scheduled to take place in early March. The trial was also set to examine a second stabbing that left another man in a critical condition.

He has since been returned to Washington County jail following his arrest where he is now awaiting the restart of his trial.

Featured Image Credit: Washington County Sheriff's Office

Topics: Crime, US News

Gregory Robinson
Gregory Robinson

Gregory is a journalist for UNILAD. After graduating with a master's degree in journalism, he has worked for both print and online publications and is particularly interested in TV, (pop) music and lifestyle. He loves Madonna, teen dramas from the '90s and prefers tea over coffee.

Advert

Advert

Advert

Choose your content:

8 hours ago
10 hours ago
11 hours ago
12 hours ago
  • 8 hours ago

    Diddy denied bail after being found guilty on 2 out of 5 counts in sex trafficking and prostitution case

    Diddy has been denied bail after being found guilty on two of five charges he was facing

    News
  • 10 hours ago

    Donald Trump makes shocking threat he wants to deport US citizens and people are stunned

    Donald Trump has made a threat to deport US citizens following the opening of a migrant centre in Florida

    News
  • 11 hours ago

    Bryan Kohberger speaks for first time in court admitting to how he brutally murdered four Idaho students

    The Idaho murder suspect has spoken out following the brutal murders of four students in 2022

    News
  • 12 hours ago

    Former prosecutor explains why Diddy was found not guilty on 3 out of 5 counts in sex trafficking and prostitution case

    A legal expert has shared his thoughts about why Sean 'Diddy' Combs has been found not guilty of three counts

    News
  • Reality TV star charged with murder after boyfriend's decapitated body found at their home
  • Dad of Georgia school shooting suspect arrested and charged with second degree-murder as new details emerge
  • Court reveals disturbing messages murder suspect sent 13-year-old girl before she went missing
  • Investigation launched after judge shot himself dead in courtroom on last day in office