Escaped inmates still at large

A manhunt is underway after two prisoners escaped from the Pemiscot County Justice Center just before 2 a.m. on Sunday, according to local authorities.

William Carter, 27 and Joseph Latamondeer, 41, escaped through an air duct and made their way to a storage room where they wrapped the handle of the locked door with a shirt to muffle the sound of the blows as they beat the door open. As they opened an outside door, they set off an alarm which alerted in the control center of the facility. The two then jumped over a fence behind the building and surveillance footage shows the pair heading towards the Mississippi River.

Carter, is facing first degree murder charges. Investigators allege that he purposely ran down his estranged wife and a man with his car, killing both of them.

The other, Joseph Latamondeer was being held on several felony charges including an alleged kidnapping related to a violent domestic assault case. Both were due to appear in court on Monday.

Caruthersville Police Chief Tony Jones spoke to residents during the recent council meeting reminding citizens to keep their doors and windows locked and to be aware of their surroundings. He also stated that should you see either of these men, not to approach them but to call the authorities. Superintendent of Caruthersville schools JJ Bullington stated that all schools will remain on lock down until the men are found.

Numerous law enforcement agencies have joined the search as officers have searched area barges, wooded areas and used helicopters and heat seeking tools to find the two men.