On December 22, a serious security incident occurred in DeKalb County, Georgia, United States, where three prisoners escaped from a local jail. One of the escapees was serving a life sentence for murder, prompting the U.S. Marshals to launch a multi-state manhunt and urging residents to remain vigilant.
According to The Wall Street Journal, the incident took place at a prison located approximately 6 miles east of downtown Atlanta in Decatur. During a routine security check, prison guards discovered that the inmates were missing.
The local sheriff’s office confirmed the escapees as 24-year-old Stevenson Charles, 31-year-old Yusuf Minor, and 25-year-old Naod Yohannes.
Among them, Charles is classified as “extremely dangerous” by the U.S. Marshals as he was serving a life sentence at the time of his escape. Official reports indicated his involvement in aggravated assault, kidnapping, carjacking, armed robbery, weapons offenses, and multiple serious crimes including sexual assaults against children under 10 years old. Minor was implicated in two armed robberies and various gun-related crimes, while Yohannes faced charges of assault, arson, and violent behavior while in custody.
Initial investigations suggest that the three individuals may have escaped from the facility between the night of December 21 and the early hours of December 22. The specific details of their escape are still under further investigation.
Thomas E. Brown, the head of the U.S. Marshals Northern District of Georgia, stated that federal agents have prioritized the apprehension of Charles. Brown noted that Charles had previously been convicted and imprisoned for federal offenses in Florida before being extradited to Georgia to face state-level criminal charges.
The U.S. Marshals Service has deployed personnel to assist local law enforcement in conducting a comprehensive search for the fugitives. Authorities warned that the escapees may be armed and advised the public to exercise caution, refrain from attempting to engage with or intercept them, and report any suspicious leads to law enforcement immediately.
The U.S. Marshals Service, a division of the Department of Justice (DOJ), is primarily responsible for fugitive apprehension, judicial security, and ensuring the operation of federal courts. It is regarded as a core component of the U.S. federal law enforcement system for fugitive tracking and judicial enforcement.