Alabama prison escapee Casey White has pleaded not guilty to felony murder charges for the death of his lover and accomplice, correction officer Vicky White.
Vicky and Casey made headlines in April after they concocted a plan for Casey to escape the Lauderdale County Jail. The pair had been in a jailhouse romance for over two years when Casey was transferred to the jail to await trial for the murder of Connie Ridgeway. The inmate was also already serving a 75-year sentence for robbery and attempted murder upon arrival.
According to CNN, the 56-year-old corrections officer was described as an “exemplary employee.” Yet, the dangerous man still persuaded her to help him escape. On April 29th, Vicky walked Casey out the jail under the guise of a mental health evaluation. Coincidentally, this was the well-liked officer’s last day, having recently filed her retirement papers after two decades with the department. She had also recently sold her home in anticipation of their escape.
The pair evaded capture for 11 days. However, as police were closing in on them on May 9th, Vicky shot herself in the head to avoid facing the consequences for her role in the plot. Casey was charged with felony murder, despite not pulling the trigger. However, authorities feel that his actions and coercion led to Vicky’s death.
On Tuesday, Casey pleaded not guilty to Vicky’s murder, which he must now face in addition to the murder of Ridgeway. Lauderdale District Attorney Chris Connolly expressed that the state would not seek the death penalty in either charge.
