2 prison inmates, one a double murderer, escape and may traveling in stolen SUV

(As originally published, with more photos including a map, Thu, January 26th 2023, 6:04 PM EST)

ABINGDON, Va. (TND) — There’s a warning out after two inmates escaped from a prison in southwest Virginia, and they may be driving near the Tennessee, Kentucky, West Virginia and North Carolina state lines.

Authorities said at about 2:45 p.m. Thursday, Johnny Shane Brown and Albert Lee Ricketson got away from a recreation yard at the Southwest Virginia Regional Jail Authority in Abingdon.

They were last seen wearing red jumpsuits and possibly white t-shirts.

Prison officials said Brown and Ricketson may be traveling in a stolen gold-colored Cadillac SUV with visible damage in the back. The SUV had Virginia license plate UDZ-6049 and authorities don’t know where they may be headed.

Brown, 51, is a federal inmate. He’s 5’11” tall, weighs 182 pounds, and has gray hair. Brown is from Rogersville, Tenn.

Ricketson, 31, murdered two people. He’s 5’8” tall, weighs 212 pounds, and has brown hair. Ricketson is from Abingdon.

Anyone who may see either prisoner or the SUV is asked to call 911 immediately.