Murder suspect facing extradition escapes lock-up

A murder suspect who St Lucian authorities are seeking to have extradited escaped from the Central Kingston Police Station lock-up yesterday morning.

The man, Orville Purnell, is of a light-skinned complexion with a dreadlock hairstyle. The 27-year-old staged a daring escape while in lock-up in that country on October 12 last year after using a sharp instrument to cut through steel bars of his cell.

Purnell then fled to Jamaica and was hiding in Buff Bay, Portland, before being captured by police in a raid on July 11.

THE STAR understands that Purnell escaped some time around 6 a.m. and that his disappearance became noticeable nearly an hour later. Yesterday, the leadership of the station held an emergency meeting to ascertain how Purnell, who had been in their custody since July, had escaped.

Acting commanding officer for the Central Kingston Police Division, Superintendent Berrisford Williams, yesterday told THE STAR that his men have been scouring video footage, and collecting statements from various officers.

"We will be doing all that is required to bring Mr Purnell back into custody. We have cameras and will be utilising everything that can help further our investigation," Williams said.

The fugitive has been described as dangerous.

"As a precaution we will always give that advice to the public, but more importantly to us is the fact that having escaped custody, we would like to get him back as soon as possible so that the justice system can be ready. So we are asking persons if he is seen to contact the police," Williams said.

Purnell appeared in the Kingston and St Andrew Parish Court on November 10 when the matter of his extradition was mentioned. He was remanded in custody and was set to return to court next Monday.

- R.M.