A murder suspect has been arrested after throwing six packages of contraband over a fence at a Mississippi Department of Corrections (MDOC) prison.
U.S. Marshals stormed a Jackson residence on Tuesday morning and arrested 31-year-old Brandon Pugh, who has been on the run for over a month.
Pugh is accused of fatally wounding a 14-year-old Hinds County resident in a drive-by shooting on May 28, resulting in the teenager’s death six days later.
The suspect was identified by law enforcement on July 6 after surveillance video at an MDOC prison showed Pugh throwing contraband over the facility’s fencing.
The suspect was identified by law enforcement on July 6 after surveillance video at the Walnut Grove Correctional Facility in Leake County showed Pugh throwing packages of cellphones and chargers over the 30-foot perimeter fence.
MDOC Executive Deputy Commissioner Karei McDonald and Walnut Grove Superintendent Brady Sistrunk said the video showed Pugh, a convicted felon, drawing a handgun.
“That could be a felony by itself,” McDonald said. “Last year, we installed 900 high-definition cameras at MDOC facilities so we record 24 hours a day inside and outside the prisons. That video now becomes evidence.”
In addition to the Hinds County murder charge, Pugh is facing multiple charges including firing into a home and attempting to smuggle into a prison facility.
Two women accomplices were arrested by Walnut Grove Police outside the prison, with law enforcement later identifying one as a convicted felon. Both were charged with possession of drugs.
