Update:
Visitation and other privileges at the three state prisons are suspended as the Mississippi Department of Corrections continues to search for three escapees and to investigate their escapes.
The Mississippi State Penitentiary (MSP) at Parchman, Central Mississippi Correctional Facility (CMCF) in Pearl and the South Mississippi Correctional Institution (SMCI) in Leakesville are on lockdown until further notice.
MSP Inmate Benny Ray Blansett, MDOC #07548, and CMCF Inmates Jonathan Blankenship, MDOC #115012, and Christopher Benson High, MDOC #139935, were discovered missing during early morning counts today. Blankenship and High are considered armed and dangerous.
If you see the men or know of their whereabouts, call the MDOC at 662-745-6611 or Crime Stoppers at 601-355-TIPS (8477). Anyone with information that leads to an arrest could be eligible for a reward. Tips can be received online through the Web Tip link on the home page of the Central MS Crime Stoppers or go to www.P3tips.com
Original Report:
The Mississippi Department of Corrections is searching for two more escaped inmates in addition to the escapee from the Mississippi Penitentiary at Parchman.
Inmates Jonathan Blankenship, MDOC #115012, and Christopher Benson High, MDOC #139935, were discovered missing from the Central Mississippi Correctional Facility (CMCF) during the morning count at 7 a.m. as the search for Parchman escapee Benny Ray Blansett was underway.
Christopher Benson HighMovement is restricted at all three state facilities – CMCF, MSP, and South Mississippi Correctional Institution (SMCI).
Blankenship and High, both white males, are considered armed and dangerous.
Blankenship, 31, was convicted of aggravated assault on a police officer and conspiracy to commit a crime in Alcorn County. He is serving a total of five years.
High, 28, was convicted of burglary larceny of an unoccupied dwelling in Carroll County. He is serving a total of 12 years.
Blankenship stands 5 feet 10 inches tall at 200 pounds with blond hair and blue eyes. He uses the alias Hustle. He has tattoos on his face and neck.
High is 5 feet 7 inches tall at 145 pounds with hazel eyes and brown hair. He also has tattoos, including on his chest and arms.
If you see Blankenship, High, and Blansett, call the MDOC at 662-745-6611 or Crime Stoppers at 601-355-TIPS (8477). Tips to Crime Stoppers could result in a reward. You can submit a tip online through the Web Tip link on the home page of the Central MS Crime Stoppers or go to www.P3tips.com
