Secret Romance Between Corrections Officer and Inmate Sparks National Manhunt
Casey White's mugshot photo released on May 10, 2022. Photo courtesy of Vanderburgh County Sheriff.
In 2022, the world watched in shock as an Alabama prison guard and a convicted felon embarked on a daring escape that defied expectations. Vicky White, a highly respected corrections officer, stunned her colleagues, family, and the nation when she disappeared with Casey White, an inmate awaiting trial for attempted murder. Their illicit romance and escape riveted viewers, leading to a nationwide manhunt that would ultimately end in tragedy.
The Unlikely Bond Between Vicky and Casey White
The connection between Vicky White and Casey White might seem unlikely, but it reveals just how deeply emotions can influence people in unpredictable ways. Vicky, a 56-year-old assistant director of corrections with a spotless record, was known for her strong work ethic and dedication. On the other hand, Casey, a 38-year-old inmate with a violent past, seemed like an unlikely partner.
He was already serving a 75-year sentence for a 2015 crime spree that involved shooting a woman during an attempted carjacking and killing his ex-girlfriend's dog. While in custody, he was also awaiting trial for the 2015 murder of Connie Ridgeway, a crime he had confessed to prior to being held at the Alabama detention center, where he eventually crossed paths with Vicky White. The pair forged a secret relationship that would shock those around them and ultimately lead to Vicky abandoning her life to run away with him.
A Secret Affair Hidden in Plain Sight
In 2021, Vicky shared with a few colleagues that she was romantically involved with two men, mentioning that one of them was significantly younger — she was 55, and he was 38. However, she kept his identity a secret. Meanwhile, some inmates at the detention center grew suspicious when they noticed Casey giving Vicky blank, unaddressed envelopes to mail.
Planning the Escape
Vicky had hinted to some colleagues that she planned to "go out with a bang," as reported by Tudum, a remark that took on new meaning by her final day on April 29, 2022. Following her retirement celebration, she told other officers she would be taking Casey to the courthouse for a mental health assessment. She requested an officer to bring Casey to booking for shackling and then left with him. When hours passed without their return, suspicions arose.
Authorities later discovered her car abandoned, with a handcuff key and Casey's prison-issued shoes left inside. Security footage revealed that Vicky had broken protocol, leading to an in-depth investigation. Detectives found that she had recently emptied her bank account and had a secret phone number, through which she had contacted Casey more than 1,000 times over two years. What started as a routine transport quickly turned into one of the most sensational manhunts in recent history, as authorities realized Vicky had no intention of bringing her prisoner back.
A Nationwide Manhunt
Their escape triggered a massive law enforcement response. As the days stretched on, authorities poured over surveillance footage, followed leads, desperate to find any clues as to their whereabouts. The pair managed to evade capture for 11 days, leaving the public captivated by each new twist in the story. Their carefully orchestrated plan seemed almost foolproof — until the police caught up with them in Evansville, Indiana.
A Tragic End
The manhunt ended in a tragic and violent way. As police closed in, the fugitives led them on a high-speed chase, which ended in a crash. Casey surrendered, but Vicky, who had reportedly developed cold feet in the final days of their flight, took her own life rather than face the consequences of her actions. Multiple wigs and $29,000 were recovered from their vehicle. Her tragic death marked a devastating end to an escape story that had captivated millions and raised countless questions about the power of love — and the depths of desperation.
The Legacy of Love on the Run
The case of Vicky and Casey White's escape highlights how easily personal relationships can unravel lives, even those built on decades of professionalism and integrity. Their story, now chronicled in the Netflix® series "Jailbreak: Love on the Run," explores the psychology behind this unlikely relationship. For many, their story serves as a cautionary tale about the risks and consequences of forbidden love, especially when entwined with crime.
In June 2023, Casey White entered a guilty plea for the escape, leading prosecutors to dismiss a felony murder charge related to Vicky White's death. He accepted a life sentence without the possibility of parole as part of the agreement. "We just wanted a new life together because she knew the truth. I can handle the truth because I know who I am," White said during his sentencing, as reported by Forbes. "I chose this road. It's cost me my life and freedom."
References: What Happened To Vicky And Casey White? The Crazy True Story Behind Netflix's 'Jailbreak' | Jailbreak: Love on the Run Is the True Story of Casey White and Vicky White
