Ramone Alston, a convicted murderer serving a life sentence, bolted from his captors while on route to a hospital appointment, sparking a massive manhunt and escalating community concerns.
A North Carolina sheriff issued a stern warning as the manhunt for an escaped convicted murderer, Ramone Jamarr Alston, dubbed the "Christmas Day Killer," entered its second day. Orange County Sheriff Charles Blackwood expressed grave concerns about the fugitive's history of criminal behavior and potential threat to the public.
"He was a troubled child, and he's been involved in criminal activity since he was a juvenile," Blackwood told reporters during a Wednesday morning briefing streamed on Facebook. "He's extremely cagey. He's extremely dangerous. And he has nothing to lose."
Manhunt Intensifies for 'Christmas Day Killer' after Escaping Custody
Alston, 30, escaped from his guards around 7:00 a.m. Tuesday while en route to UNC Hillsborough Hospital for a medical appointment. He was serving a life sentence for the 2015 Christmas Day murder of 1-year-old Maleah Williams.
"When he ran, he was in dreadlocks," Sheriff Blackwood said. "It's quite likely that he cut them, but we don't know that with any certainty."
Manhunt Intensifies for 'Christmas Day Killer' after Escaping Custody
Authorities are offering a substantial reward of $35,000 for information leading to Alston's capture. They are urging residents to check their home security cameras for potential evidence. Alston may have headed north after his escape, but law enforcement emphasizes that his whereabouts remain unknown.
Alston is described as having a large "Flame" tattoo across his chest with a star in the center and the word "niece" inked on his right arm. He was last seen wearing a gray T-shirt, brown pants, and white New Balance sneakers.
Manhunt Intensifies for 'Christmas Day Killer' after Escaping Custody
Despite somehow freeing himself from leg restraints, Alston remained handcuffed and connected to a waist chain. He fled into the woods near the hospital. Notably, the correction officers' firearms were secured in a lockbox within the transport vehicle at the time of the escape.
Alston was the perpetrator of a drive-by shooting in Chapel Hill in 2015. He and another gunman opened fire on an apartment complex, resulting in the tragic death of 1-year-old Maleah, who was fatally struck by a bullet while being held by her mother.
Manhunt Intensifies for 'Christmas Day Killer' after Escaping Custody
The Orange County Sheriff's Office is leading the manhunt, coordinating with various law enforcement agencies. They are expected to provide another update on the investigation by 4:00 p.m. Wednesday.
The escape of Alston has heightened tensions in the community, recalling the notorious incident involving Gabriel Villanueva in 2022, who also broke free from custody while receiving medical treatment.
Authorities are urging the public to report any suspicious activity or information regarding Alston to law enforcement immediately. The investigation continues, and updates will be released as they become available.
