In April 2022, the escape of inmate Casey White, facilitated by corrections officer Vicky White, captivated national attention. Their 11-day flight from justice ended tragically, but the repercussions continue to unfold.
Casey White’s guilty plea and sentencing
In May 2023, Casey White pleaded guilty to first-degree escape charges, acknowledging his role in the April 2022 jailbreak, TIME reported. This plea agreement led to the dismissal of a felony murder charge related to Vicky White’s death, as Alabama law permits such charges if a death occurs during the commission of a felony. Subsequently, in June 2023, Casey White was sentenced to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole.
At his sentencing, White expressed remorse over the escape and subsequent tragedy, CBS News reported.
“I loved Vicky and I wouldn’t drag her name through the mud for anyone in this courtroom,” he said.
‘Jailbreak': Netflix documentary sheds light on the escape
The dramatic escape and subsequent manhunt have been chronicled in the Netflix documentary “Jailbreak: Love on the Run,” released on September 25, 2024. The film delves into the unlikely relationship between Casey and Vicky White, exploring how their bond led to the audacious escape. Utilizing phone conversations and interviews, the documentary provides insights into their planning and the dynamics of their ill romance, according to TIME.
Where is Casey White now?
As of 2025, Casey White is serving his life sentence at the William E. Donaldson Correctional Facility in Bessemer, Alabama, Forbes reported. This facility is known for housing inmates with severe behavioral issues and has a reputation for violence. White’s incarceration there underscores the severity of his offenses and the perceived threat he poses.
Suspension of capital murder charges
In July 2023, prosecutors moved to suspend the capital murder case against Casey White for the 2015 stabbing death of Connie Ridgeway, Oxygen reported. This decision was influenced by his existing life sentence and the desire to conserve state resources. The Ridgeway family supported this move.
“In the meantime, Casey White is right where he belongs: in Donaldson Prison,” the family stated.
Vicky White’s legacy
Vicky White’s legacy is marked by a stark transformation from a highly respected corrections officer to a central figure in the notorious escape attempt. With a 17-year tenure at the Lauderdale County Jail, she was esteemed by colleagues and inmates alike, often viewed as a maternal figure by some inmates, A&E reported. Her unexpected involvement in facilitating Casey White’s escape in April 2022 shocked those who knew her, prompting introspection within the corrections community about the complexities of staff-inmate relationships and the potential for manipulation, according to the report. The incident has since served as a cautionary tale, underscoring the need for vigilance and support systems to maintain professional boundaries in correctional facilities.
