Reward for escaped NC murderer up to $50k on 3rd day of search

RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) — A reward for information leading to the arrest of an escaped murderer has been increased again — this time to $50,000.

Ramone Alston, serving a life sentence for the murder of 1-year-old Maleah Williams, escaped custody when corrections officers were transporting him from Bertie Correctional Institution to UNC Gastroenterology in Hillsborough to receive medical care on Aug. 13.

Orange County Sheriff Charles Blackwood said the inmate was escorted to the back of the hospital building and as officers opened the door to the van, he then ran into the adjacent woods. Alston has evaded law enforcement ever since.

Alston is described as 5’11”, 230 pounds with brown eyes and dread locks. Orange County Sheriff Charles Blackwood is asking the public to focus on Alston’s facial features as he may have changed his appearance.

If you have information regarding Alston’s whereabouts, you are asked to call 919-324-1082. If see Alston, you’re urged to call 911 immediately and not approach him.

Alston is considered dangerous.

Alston was last seen wearing a gray T-shirt, brown pants and white New Balance shoes. He was also wearing handcuffs connected to a belly chain with a black box over the junction.

Authorities also provided descriptions of Alston’s tattoos. There is one on his chest that says “FLAME” with a star in the center. There’s another one on his right arm that says “NIECE.”

Governor Roy Cooper authorized a $30,000 reward from the state, the United States Marshals Service is providing $10,000 and the FBI is providing $10,000.

“State, federal and local law enforcement are working together to locate and arrest Ramone Alston and return him to state custody,” said Governor Cooper. “I urge anyone with information to please come forward and contact the Department of Adult Correction tipline.”

Alston has been charged with felony escape, although he was already serving a life sentence for the murder of Williams.

“There is someone out there who knows where Alston is,” said Secretary Todd Ishee of the NC Department of Adult Correction. “We hope that this reward will bring them forward with the critical information that leads to Alston’s capture.”

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