Drew Johnson, a convicted killer, was captured Wednesday after escaping from a Mississippi state prison on Christmas Eve. Johnson’s recapture occurred near the South Mississippi Correctional Institution, where he had been serving a life sentence without parole.
Convicted murderer recaptured after Christmas Eve prison escape | Click on the image to read the full story https://t.co/BxbslUZ9M1
— KOAT.com (@koat7news) December 26, 2024
Authorities in Mississippi issued urgent warnings after Johnson’s escape, describing him as “very dangerous.” Residents were advised to stay vigilant, especially during the holiday season when people often let their guard down. The manhunt ended when law enforcement tracked him to an area near the prison.
Drew Johnson, 33, who escaped from South Mississippi Correctional Institution on Christmas Eve, has been recaptured near the prison on Christmas Day. Johnson, described as "extremely dangerous" & "desperate," was serving a life sentence for multiple violent offenses, including… pic.twitter.com/v5aiCL95tB
— True Crime Updates (@TrueCrimeUpdat) December 26, 2024
Johnson’s criminal history is filled with violent offenses. In 2016, he murdered an acquaintance in Memphis by stabbing the man over 25 times. While incarcerated, he attacked a fellow prisoner in 2021 and was convicted of setting fires in 2019.
🚨🇺🇸 MISSISSIPPI POLICE HUNT FOR ESCAPED KILLER
Drew Johnson, 33, pulled a holiday disappearing act yesterday, escaping from the South Mississippi Correctional Institution in Leakesville, about 122 miles northeast of New Orleans, Louisiana.
He was serving life for a 2022… pic.twitter.com/gGYr1esNEa
— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) December 25, 2024
The escape occurred at the state’s newest prison facility in Leakesville. Details about how Johnson managed to flee have not been disclosed, but additional charges are expected to be filed against him.
The Mississippi Department of Corrections has announced the capture of a convicted killer who escaped on Christmas Eve. https://t.co/GNWbEBXIap
— Corpus Christi Caller-Times (@callerdotcom) December 27, 2024
Johnson also has a pending murder charge in Rankin County, Mississippi.
