Authorities have ‘rock solid’ leads in North Carolina manhunt

HILLSBOROUGH, N.C. ( NewsNation ) — Authorities in North Carolina are focusing on strong leads as they continue searching for a convicted murderer who escaped prison transport three days ago.

Ramone Jamarr Alston , 30, escaped leg restraints from a Department of Adult Correction vehicle Tuesday while being transported from Bertie Correctional Institution to UNC Gastroenterology in Hillsborough to receive medical care, the Orange County Sheriff’s Office said .

Investigators believe Alston may have had help with his escape, and they have identified two leads.

“So, I’ll tell you there are two leads that we’ve got. I’m not going to tell you what they are, that we feel are solid, rock solid,” said Orange County Sheriff Charles Blackwood. “And that’s a teaser to the folks that are involved and know they were involved in it. We know you, and we’re coming for you.”

After a 30-hour search Wednesday around the UNC hospital’s Hillsborough campus, officials have suspended their ground search in the wooded area where Alston ran.

Authorities are now focused on people, particularly family members, who may have been aiding and abetting Alston.

Additionally, authorities provided a new phone number for the public to call with any tips regarding the possible whereabouts of the escaped inmate. That updated number is (919) 324-1082.

They ask anyone who has helped Alston in his escape efforts to come forward.

A $50,000 reward is being offered for any information that would lead to his capture.

Alston is serving life in prison for the 2015 Christmas Day killing of 1-year-old Maleah Williams.

NewsNation digital producer Devan Markham contributed to this report.

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