News Summary
Nevin Kerr Whetstone, a 71-year-old escaped inmate serving a life sentence for capital murder, was captured in Drew, Mississippi after a brief manhunt. His escape prompted community alerts and school lockdowns. The coordinated efforts of law enforcement led to his apprehension, providing relief to local residents. This incident underscores the importance of community vigilance and the efficiency of law enforcement in ensuring public safety.
Breaking News: Escaped Inmate Captured After Brief Manhunt
In a dramatic turn of events, the small town of Drew, Mississippi, has become the center of attention after the apprehension of escaped inmate Nevin Kerr Whetstone. The 71-year-old, who had been missing from the Mississippi State Penitentiary at Parchman since his escape on March 4, 2025, was captured just a few days later, on March 7.
A Life Behind Bars
Whetstone was serving a life sentence for the brutal capital murder of a woman in Lee County, a crime that took place back in the early 1980s. His history doesn’t stop there; he had also previously escaped from Sunflower County jail, which added another year to his already lengthy sentence. With such a serious past, his escape set off alarm bells across Mississippi.
Community on Alert
The first sign of trouble came in the form of an anonymous tip on March 7, which suggested that Whetstone might have been spotted in nearby Lafayette County. This led to temporary lockdowns of local schools in the area, just around 8:50 AM, as a precautionary measure. Parents and kids alike were understandably on edge as officers worked swiftly to investigate the claim.
Fortunately, the lockdown was lifted soon after, as authorities found the tip to be not credible. However, before this alert, law enforcement in Prentiss County had chased down another lead just a day earlier on March 6, which too failed to yield any results. It was a rollercoaster of uncertainty for both the officers and the local communities.
Collaboration Leads to Capturing the Fugitive
As the manhunt continued, a coordinated effort involving local, state, and federal law enforcement proved fruitful. Just a few hours after the last tip, Whetstone was apprehended just outside of Drew. The hard work and determination of the law enforcement agencies involved is commendable as they worked against the clock to ensure the safety of the surrounding areas.
A Relieved Community
The news of Whetstone’s capture brought a wave of relief across the region. Residents could breathe easier now that the fugitive was back in custody. The community had rallied together during the search, showing support for law enforcement and one another during what could have been a dangerous situation.
Looking Ahead
This incident reminds us of the importance of vigilance, and how community alertness can make a difference. As for Whetstone, he will now return to serve the rest of his life sentence under even stricter watch. With his record of violent crimes and escapes, one can only hope this will be the end of his attempts to evade justice.
Communities can take a sigh of relief, knowing that their local law enforcement is there to protect them. As the story unfolds, residents are reminded of the resilience that can come from collaboration and the strength found in their community. Justice, though delayed, was not denied this time.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Escaped Inmate Gregory Trigg Captured in Tulsa, Oklahoma
Oxford Witnessed Unexpected Prison Escape and Rapid Arrest This Week
Escaped Inmate in Lafayette County Arrested After Dramatic Car Chase and Crash
Additional Resources
- WJTV: Escaped Inmate Nevin Whetstone Captured
- Fox13 Memphis: Escaped Mississippi Convicted Murderer Recaptured
- WTVA: Parchman Escapee Captured
- Vicksburg News: Convicted Killer Escapes
- Clarion Ledger: Nevin Whetstone Still at Large
- Wikipedia: Escape from Prison
- Google Search: Nevin Whetstone escaped inmate
- Google Scholar: Prison Escape
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Prison
- Google News: Prison Escape Mississippi
Author: STAFF HERE OXFORD WRITER
The OXFORD STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOxford.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Oxford, Lafayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Oxford Film Festival, Double Decker Arts Festival, and University of Mississippi football games. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Oxford-Lafayette County Chamber of Commerce and the University of Mississippi, plus leading businesses in education and retail that power the local economy such as Ole Miss Athletics and Square Books. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Mississippi's dynamic landscape.
