Two inmates facing murder charges managed to escape from the Claiborne County Detention Center in Mississippi in the early hours of Friday morning, leading to a widespread manhunt for their capture. The escapees have been identified as Tyrekennel Collins, 24, and Dezarrious Johnson, 18, who successfully evaded the jail's security measures and fled the facility.

According to the Claiborne County Sheriff's Office, the inmates broke free around 2:20 a.m. by climbing through a panel in the ceiling located in a common area. From there, they made their way to a window and used bed sheets to lower themselves to the ground. The escape was promptly reported by fellow inmates, notifying jail staff immediately.

During the escape, Johnson sustained a leg injury, resulting in a noticeable limp. Authorities have cautioned that although both inmates were not armed and did not leave the facility with any weapons, they should still be considered dangerous. The sheriff's office advised residents to exercise necessary precautions while the manhunt is ongoing.

Collins, who was being held on charges from Copiah County, was arrested in 2023 in connection with the murder of his 46-year-old cousin, as reported by NBC affiliate WLBT of Jackson. Johnson, on the other hand, was being detained for charges out of Jefferson County. Any sightings of Collins and Johnson are encouraged to be reported immediately to 911 or the sheriff's office, rather than approaching them directly.

The search for the escaped inmates remains active, and U.S. Marshals have already made contact with their families, according to Chief Deputy Christy Sykes. Additionally, Sykes revealed that this is not the first instance of inmates exploiting the panel in the ceiling to break out of the facility, stating, "It's been an issue. We're working closely with the board of supervisors to get this taken care of as soon as possible."

Law enforcement agencies are collaborating to locate and apprehend the escapees swiftly. Collins and Johnson will face additional charges upon their capture. As the manhunt intensifies, authorities are determined to ensure the safety of the community while diligently pursuing the escaped inmates.