March 16, 2008 — A territory-wide manhunt has been launched for Jeffrey Warner, a convicted murderer and rapist who escaped early Sunday morning from St. Croix's Golden Grove Correctional Facility.
Warner, 45, is considered armed and dangerous, according to Department of Justice officials. He is 5 feet 5 inches tall, weighs 140 pounds, is of medium build and has black hair, brown eyes and a dark complexion. He was last seen wearing a white muscle shirt and gray sweatpants.
According to Attorney General Vincent Frazer, Warner was discovered missing around 12 a.m. Sunday, after prison guards did a head count. Frazer could not provide details on how Warner escaped from a "secure area" in Golden Grove, where he was serving a life sentence on one count of first-degree murder and three counts of first-degree aggravated rape.
"I am awaiting a full report from the Bureau of Corrections before commenting on how Warner broke out of Golden Grove," Frazer said in a statement released Sunday evening from Government House. A task force of local and federal law enforcement agencies are currently participating in the manhunt, and will "leave no stone unturned" in finding Warner and returning him to prison, Frazer added.
Warner's mug shot has been posted at the territory's two airports and all marine ports and terminals.
"We have also strategically deployed personnel to these areas so that if Warner attempts to fell the island or the territory, he can be taken into custody," Frazer said.
Police Commissioner James McCall said Monday morning that Warner is "extremely dangerous — he has killed people." He said, "I am willing to put out a reward for information that leads to his capture."
Residents who have seen Warner or have any information on his whereabouts are urged to call 911 immediately.
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