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Two inmates escape from Mississippi detention center

By Kaitlin Howell Jul 5, 2024 | 8:38 AM

CLAIBORNE COUNTY, Miss. (WJTV) – Two inmates escaped from the Claiborne County Detention Center early Friday morning.

Authorities said the inmates were identified as 24-year-old Tyrekennel Collins, who was being held for Copiah County, and 18-year-old Dezarrious Johnson, who was being held for Jefferson County.

Camera footage showed Collins and Johnson escaping through the ceiling and leaving behind an outside wall, Claiborne County Sheriff Edward Goods. He said Johnson injured one of his legs during the escape and was walking with a limp.

Collins is accused of killing his cousin in Copiah County in October 2023.

Johnson is charged with murder and aggravated assault in Jefferson County. Court records show he was indicted in the October 2022 killing of one person and injuries to two others. His trial is set to begin October 15, 2024.

According to the Claiborne County Sheriff’s Office, the two inmates escaped around 2:20 a.m. on Friday, July 5. They are considered to be armed and dangerous.

  • Tyrekennel Collins (Courtesy: Claiborne Co. Sheriff’s Office)
  • Dezarrious Johnson (Courtesy: Claiborne Co. Sheriff’s Office)

Anyone with information on their whereabouts can contact the Claiborne County Sheriff’s Office at (601) 437-5161 or 911.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.