Who is Drew Johnson: Captures Escaped Inmate in South Mississippi
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| Killer who escaped from Mississippi prison is recaptured after manhunt |
Mississippi authorities reported Wednesday that a convicted murderer had been apprehended one day after breaking out of jail. The public had previously been alerted to the fact that 33-year-old Drew Johnson could be "desperate" and "very dangerous."
According to the Mississippi Department of Corrections, Johnson was apprehended "in an area near the South Mississippi Correctional Institution (SMCI), where he escaped on Tuesday afternoon." SMCI is situated close to Leakesville.
Mississippi authorities are looking for Drew Johnson, a convicted murderer who they claim broke out of prison on Tuesday and is described as "desperate and very dangerous."
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| Drew Johnson |
Manhunt for "desperate" murderer who escaped from Mississippi prison
Mississippi authorities are on high alert after Drew Johnson, a convicted murderer described as "desperate and very dangerous," escaped from the South Mississippi Correctional Institution in Leakesville on December 24, 2024.
The George County Sheriff's Office has warned residents to exercise extreme caution, particularly during the holiday season when people are often more trusting and security measures may be relaxed.
Johnson's escape has sent shockwaves through the state, with law enforcement agencies mounting an intense manhunt to locate and apprehend him. The Sheriff's Office took to social media to spread awareness, urging citizens to stay vigilant:
"Call your family and alert them. Send messages to them and get responses. People tend to be more generous during Christmas and let their guard down. Be vigilant and be careful."
The Escape and Its Implications
The exact details of Johnson's escape remain under investigation, but officials confirm that he broke out of the maximum-security facility on Tuesday afternoon. This marks a major breach of prison security and raises questions about procedural lapses that may have facilitated his escape. Authorities believe Johnson may be attempting to make his way north, potentially toward Southaven, Mississippi, where he has personal connections.
Johnson's history of extreme violence and his nickname "Monster" underscore the urgency of the situation. Officials have warned the public not to approach him under any circumstances and to immediately report any sightings to law enforcement.
Adding to the tension, the escape comes during the holiday season, a time when many are distracted and safety protocols might not be as rigorously observed. Residents across Mississippi have been advised to secure their homes and remain cautious, especially in areas where Johnson may have local ties.
A Legacy of Violence: Who is Drew Johnson?
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| Drew Johnson pleaded guilty to killing Calvin Holloway Jr. in 2016, and attacking another inmate and setting fires at the Shelby County Jail |
Drew Johnson, 33, has a long and chilling history of violent crimes. Born and raised in Southaven, Mississippi, his criminal activities have left a trail of devastation, affecting families and communities alike.
Convictions for Murder and Other Crimes
Johnson's most notorious crime occurred in 2016, when he brutally murdered Calvin Holloway Jr., a 25-year-old man from Southaven. Holloway was last seen alive after posting on social media about plans to meet a friend. Four days later, his lifeless body was discovered in a field in Memphis, riddled with over two dozen stab wounds. The heinous nature of the crime earned Johnson the moniker "Monster," a chilling reflection of his violent tendencies.
In addition to this murder, Johnson has been linked to multiple other crimes. While awaiting trial for Holloway's murder, he pleaded guilty to setting two separate fires in Shelby County Jail in May 2019.
These fires endangered the lives of other inmates and prison staff, further demonstrating his disregard for human life. In December 2021, he attempted to kill a fellow inmate by striking him in the head with a piece of concrete.
Sentencing and Life in Prison
In February 2022, Johnson was sentenced to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole for the murder of Calvin Holloway. He also received additional sentences for arson and attempted murder, each carrying 15 years to be served concurrently. These convictions painted a grim portrait of a man whose propensity for violence extended beyond the outside world into the confines of a maximum-security prison.
Personal Details and Identifying FeaturesDrew Johnson is a white male with dirty blond hair and piercing blue eyes. Standing at six feet tall and weighing approximately 200 pounds, he has a muscular build that adds to his intimidating presence. While his booking photo shows him bald, authorities caution that this image may be outdated and he might have grown his hair since. Johnson’s ability to adapt and his history of escaping scrutiny make him a significant threat. Authorities are particularly concerned about his potential return to Southaven, a city where he has deep connections and where his violent history began. |
The holiday season should be a time of joy and togetherness, but for many in Mississippi, it is overshadowed by the threat of a dangerous fugitive. Authorities remain committed to bringing Drew Johnson to justice, ensuring that he cannot harm anyone else. If you see Drew Johnson or have any information about his whereabouts, contact 911 or your local law enforcement agency immediately.
