Lauderdale County Sheriff Rick Singleton told reporters Friday night that Vicky White, a 25-year-old veteran of the department, left the local detention center with Casey Cole White at 9:41 p.m. He said he told other officials he was going to leave him in the courthouse for a mental health assessment and then seek medical help because he was not feeling well. Although they have the same last name, the two have nothing to do with each other. Shortly after 11 a.m., someone found her patrol car in a mall parking lot. At 3:30 p.m., officers realized that no one had been able to contact her and that the inmate had not been returned to detention. Singleton said that after speaking in court, officials confirmed that no scheduled mental health assessment had been conducted. She also said that her decision to take the detainee to the courthouse was “a grave violation of politics”, as someone accused of such a serious crime would have to be accompanied by two MPs. Because Vicky was responsible for the transfer of the court, she said, it is possible that none of her subordinates felt comfortable questioning her for violating the policy. “He’s been an employee for 25 years and I can tell you that every employee in this office is shocked to be missing and that this has happened,” Singleton said. “We doubt it, she was an exemplary employee.” Although the circumstances may seem suspicious, Singleton said he would like definitive evidence before accusing Vicky White of any wrongdoing. He said White had been voted employee of the year many times, and was very likeable and respected. She also said she was eligible for retirement and had been discussing leaving the department for months. “Obviously, you know, we look at it from all angles,” he said. “Did she help him escape? This is obviously a possibility. So we are looking at it as a point of view of the investigation. She was abducted on the way to the courthouse? You know, she was taken against her will? This is obviously another point of view.” look.” Singleton said Vicki was armed with a 9mm gun before disappearing, prompting investigators to speculate that Casey is now armed. He described Casey as “extremely dangerous” and urged residents not to approach him and call 911. “Right now our hope and prayer is to get him before someone gets hurt,” he said.
Asked if he thought Vicky was in danger, Singleton said: “I think she is in danger, whatever the circumstances.” “He was in prison for murder and, you know, he has nothing to lose,” he added.

Victoria Albert

Victoria Albert is a news editor at Sr. on CBS News. Contact her at [email protected]