Faulty Jail Camera System Aids Inmates' Escape

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. -- Four inmates at the Curry County Jail face new charges in connection with helping eight fellow inmates escape Sunday night.

Two people close to two of the escapees were also arrested Wednesday.

Five of the inmates are still on the loose. But authorities said they're hot on the trail and expect more arrests soon.

"Baby, this is involving the whole family. Please turn yourself in," Hester England said.

Hester England is the mother of Michael England, one of the five fugitives still on the run from Curry County.

England and seven others broke out of the Curry County Adult Detention Center Sunday night. Three of the escapees have been captured.

"Please, please Michael. I love you so much. I want you to be safe baby. Call me you know anytime night or day. I'm there for you please," Hester said.

Curry County authorities released surveillance video on Wednesday. The grainy video shows inmates inside the jail helping the fugitives escape through a utility door.

Inmates are seen using blankets to provide cover for the fugitives as they made their escape.

"We received information this took approximately two to three days worth of planning and the actual, like we mentioned, the piercing through the roof took approximately seven hours," District Attorney Matt Chandler said.

One problem the escapees didn't have to worry about was being caught by surveillance cameras outside the building because they weren't working.

County leaders said they are discussing ideas to ensure this type of breakout doesn't happen again. One of the ideas is to increase patrols on the roof of the jail.

Authorities said they're getting closer to capturing some of the fugitives. Meanwhile their families said they just want to see this end safely.

Since the escape, the Curry County Commission has approved money to upgrade the jails camera system.

The four inmates charged Wednesday face additional charges of assisting escape and harboring or aiding a felon. They are facing six counts each and up to 12 and half years in jail.