Convicted murderer escapes from state prison, manhunt underway

Published 10:44 am Sunday, July 5, 2020

A convicted murderer has escaped from the Mississippi State Penitentiary at Parchman, corrections officials reported early Sunday.

Mississippi Department of Corrections officials said they believe Arthur Lestrick, 40, was discovered missing early Sunday morning and is believed to have left the facility on foot from a work camp.

MDOC and local authorities have begun a manhunt seeking to recapture him.

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Lestrick is serving a life sentence for capital murder for a crime in Copiah County.

Corrections officials say that Lestrick is a black male, with brown eyes and black hair. He weighs approximately 140 pounds and stands approximately 5-foot, 5 inches tall.

If you see him, do not approach him, but contact MDOC at 662-745-6611 or 601-573-5720.