Despite a $10,000 reward being offered by police for his capture, convicted armed robber Corey Douglas Hepburn still remains at large.
The 26-year-old was the only inmate who escaped during a prison break in the early morning hours at Her Majesty’s Prison on Jan. 17.
During the breakout prison guard Deon Bowles lost his life, allegedly at the hands of the people he guarded, along with inmate Neil Brown who was shot by police.
Prisoners Forrestor Bowe, 29, a convicted murderer whose case is now before the Privy Council in London; and convicted rapist Barry Parcoi, 42, who is serving a life sentence and escaped from prison last year, were also injured during the incident. The pair were recaptured and returned to protective custody at the prison.
Police press liaison officer, Inspector Walter Evans said Sunday that the police are still appealing to the public for anyone with information on Hepburn to turn him in to police.
As he is considered armed and dangerous, said Insp. Evans and he discourages anyone from engaging Hepburn, but rather to turn the matter over to the authorities.
“The search for Corey Hepburn is still ongoing,” he said.
“We are asking members of the public who have spotted him to contact the police at 919, 502-9941 or 328-8477.
He admitted that the police have received reports of Hepburn being spotted around the island, but he still manages to evade capture.
According to Evans, Hepburn is able to do so with the help of people who choose to feed, clothe and shelter him.
While the hunt is on for the escapee, Insp. Evans said the police will also target anyone who has given him safe haven. As for the status of the investigation into the death of Corporal Bowles, Mr Evans would only say that the matter was still under police investigation.
“Even though four persons tried to escape and one is dead, once we would have collected him or he surrendered himself, we would be that much closer to bringing this matter to closure,” he said.
On the issue of how the escape was facilitated prison Superintendent Dr Elliston Rahming indicated on Jan. 19 that an internal investigation will be carried out.
He noted that the panel will examine, “The adequacy and whereabouts of staff assigned to Maximum Security during the time in question; the lighting and surveillance apparatus at the time in question; review the bolts and bars logs to determine the adequacy and proficiency of patrols; the possible means by which inmates were able to access cutting devices; the adequacy of communication devices to officers on duty; the availability of non-lethal immobilisers for use by officers and the effectiveness of cell checking procedures.”
By: JIMENITA SWAIN, The Nassau Guardian
