Alabama officials have ordered a DNA sample from a recaptured inmate who had been on the run for 10 days after escaping with the help of a correctional officer.
Lauderdale County District Judge Carole Medley approved the state’s request on Wednesday, although it’s not clear why officials want the sample from Casey White, who is being held in state prison after being caught last week.
VICKY WHITE HAD A GUN PRIOR TO CRASH AND CASEY WHITE WANTED A SHOOTOUT, POLICE SAY
White is being held on charges related to the breakout that ignited a 10-day nationwide hunt for him and correctional officer Vicky White, of no relation, who allegedly helped him escape. Casey White surrendered to officials after a police pursuit in Indiana, and Vicky White was found “unconscious with a gunshot wound to her head,” which officials say was likely self-inflicted.
White was transported to the hospital, where she later died Monday evening. Officials performed an autopsy earlier this week, although it hasn’t been announced whether they have determined a cause of death. It’s not clear whether the request for Casey White’s DNA sample is related to the autopsy.
Attorneys for White have not commented publicly on the sample request, but they did not oppose the order.
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White is set to appear in court in June on a capital murder charge in connection to the death of Connie Ridgeway in 2015, a crime to which he reportedly confessed in 2020 while in prison on other charges. The man waived his right to an extradition hearing earlier this week, with officials transporting him back to Alabama to face additional charges for his escape.
The DNA sample must be delivered to officials by Friday or “as soon as practicable,” according to the court order.
