Authorities are currently investigating mysterious events that have recently taken place in Alabama.
Two individuals reportedly disappeared from the Lauderdale County Jail on Friday morning, April 29.
Alabama assistant director of corrections, Vicki White, and murder suspect Casey White, were last seen on a supposed drive to a courthouse in Alabama.
What should have been less than a five-minute drive has transformed into a nationwide search for the pair, since they disappeared on Friday.
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Rick Singleton, Lauderdale County Sheriff, commented on the matter during a news conference: "Obviously, we're looking at all angles," he began his statement with.
He continued: "Did she assist him in escaping? It's a possibility."
Making the situation even more suspect, the two, who coincidentally have the same surnames yet are unrelated, disappeared on the journey to a mental health evaluation that did not even exist.
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Not only did Vicki break protocol in falsifying the evaluation, but she took Casey there alone.
This breaking of protocol has been deemed completely out of character for Vicki, who has been heralded for having an exemplary record as a correctional deputy for more than 25 years of service, the New York Times reports.
Singleton emphasised the importance of integrity among the correctional workers, "Every employee in this office is shocked that she is missing and that this has happened."
“She was alone," Singleton said, "which was a strict violation of policy.”
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He added: "Mr. White, who was charged with two counts of capital murder in 2020 for a murder-for-hire slaying, should have had two deputies with him at all times, the sheriff said. That includes during transportation to the courthouse, which was three minutes away."
By the afternoon of the Friday, around 3.30pm, officers on duty began to grow cautious over Vicki's disappearance, reporting that they were not able to get in contact with her via her phone
First arrested back in 2015, following a violent crime spree, Casey, 38, is now serving an impending 75-year sentence for suspected murder and was set to also have an upcoming trial for killing 58-year-old Connie Ridgeway, the Sydney Morning Herald reports.
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During his time as an inmate in prison, Casey has also been found to continue to display violent behaviours.
Only two years ago, officers discovered a homemade knife hidden in the prison showers and believed there to be caution surrounding his attempt to break out of the prison.
While authorities are not clear about whether Vicki helped Casey break out or whether she had been kidnapped as a leverage tool, they have since revealed that officials are investigating the relationship between the pair.
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Sheriff Singleton explained: “Knowing the inmate, I think she’s in danger, whatever the circumstance. He was in jail for capital murder, and he had nothing to lose.”
Following the disappearance, the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency issued a 'blue alert' for Vicki White, which stated that: "Casey White is believed to be a serious threat to the corrections officer and the public."
Singleton has since urged civilians to notify authorities immediately if they happen to spot either the two individuals.
While the investigation is ongoing, it is still unknown whether Vicki White was aiding and abetting fugitive Casey White or whether she is yet another victim of his that is in need of rescuing.
The FBI has now teamed up with the Lauderdale County and joined the investigation.
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