The True Story Behind Netflix’s Prison Escape Romance Jailbreak: Love on the Run

As a seasoned investigator with decades of experience under my belt, I have seen countless stories of love and desperation unfold before my very eyes. But none quite like the tale of Casey and Vicky – two souls yearning for freedom, bound together by an unconventional bond.

On April 29, 2022, a previously convicted felon named Casey Cole White and corrections officer Vicky White exited Lauderdale County Jail in Florence, Alabama, under the guise of a mental health evaluation for Casey White. However, it was later discovered that no such appointment had been scheduled.

After Casey and Vicky did not show up at the jail, authorities launched an 11-day search that eventually became a manhunt for this duo. Initially, it was believed that Vicky, a much admired and respected assistant director of corrections, could have been kidnapped by Casey. However, hidden camera footage and phone conversations later exposed that Vicky and Casey, significantly younger than the officer, had secretly been in a relationship. Vicky willingly assisted Casey’s escape. Approximately two weeks later, Casey was apprehended, while Vicky took her own life by gunshot after crashing their vehicle into a ditch.

On September 25th, a captivating new Netflix documentary titled “Jailbreak: Love on the Run” will be released. This documentary delves into the unforeseen love story of Casey and Vicky, their daring jailbreak, the ensuing manhunt, and the media storm that followed. The production is by Aaron Ginsburg, William Green, and Alec MacRae, and it includes extensive interviews with investigators who worked on the case, Vicky’s colleagues, and inmates who knew Casey during his imprisonment.

Get acquainted with the latest insights on Casey and Vicky White, as featured in the captivating tale “Jailbreak: A Tale of Pursuit and Devotion“.

Who is Casey Cole White?

The True Story Behind Netflix’s Prison Escape Romance Jailbreak: Love on the Run

Before his recent escape, Casey White, aged 41 currently, had been incarcerated for a 75-year sentence due to a 2015 home invasion, two car thefts, and numerous shootings. In the year 2019, he was found guilty of various charges associated with these crimes, such as attempted murder and first-degree robbery.

In 2020, Casey admitted to another crime during his incarceration at the William E. Donaldson Correctional Facility – the murder of Connie Ridgeway, a 59-year-old woman from Rogersville, Ala., who was killed in 2015. He was subsequently charged with two counts of capital murder and moved to Lauderdale County Detention Center for trial. (Later, he retracted his confession and pleaded not guilty by claiming insanity.)

The taller-than-average prisoner was remembered by his coworkers and fellow detainees as being amiable, loquacious, and quite endearing, especially when he had a request. They admit that Casey could become rather intimidating if he had been using drugs.

Who was Vicky White?

The True Story Behind Netflix’s Prison Escape Romance Jailbreak: Love on the Run

At age 56, Vicky had spent 17 years as an assistant director at Lauderdale County Detention Center prior to her passing. Notably, she was frequently recognized for her exceptional work ethic, being honored as “Employee of the Year” four times during her tenure. Unfortunately, she was set to retire on April 29, 2022, which also happened to be the day she helped Casey escape from prison.

Vicky had been married once, to a man named Tommy White, but they divorced in 2006 with Vicky citing his drug addiction. They remained close friends, however. (Tommy White died in January 2022, following a battle with Parkinson’s disease; the couple had no children.) Vicky was later engaged to Lauderdale resident Bryan Keith Garner, but he died in a car accident in 2009. Co-workers interviewed for the documentary describe Vicky as lonely and prone to drinking every day to cope.

When discussing her future retirement, Vicky shared with her colleagues, “I plan to make quite an exit.

2021 saw Vicky confide in her colleagues that she was involved in a relationship with two men, one being considerably younger. She chose not to provide further details. On the other hand, ex-convict Tyler Purser claimed to documentarians that he and fellow inmates were cognizant of Vicky’s romantic involvement with Casey; there were instances where Vicky would ask everyone except for Casey to leave for “yard time,” allowing them privacy for their intimacy.

People living at the detention center speculated there may be a connection between Casey and Vicky, as they observed Casey passing Vicky unaddressed outgoing mail envelopes.

In the city of Evansville, Indiana (approximately 175 miles from Florence, Alabama), Vicky and Casey were discovered. Tragically, after their vehicle collided with a ditch as they attempted to evade law enforcement, Vicky took her own life. Subsequently, Vicky passed away in an Indiana hospital.

What does Jailbreak reveal about Vicky White and Casey White?

The True Story Behind Netflix’s Prison Escape Romance Jailbreak: Love on the Run

In the storytelling technique called “Jailbreak,” real-life conversations between characters Vicky and Casey are interwoven, ranging from casual chats to steamy phone calls. These discussions covered various topics such as their TV preferences, daily activities, and dreams of a shared life in freedom. Since Vicky was using a temporary phone, they also discussed the minutiae of their lives and imagined what it would be like to enjoy freedom together.

The documentary further showcases the high regard in which Vicky was held by both her coworkers and fellow inmates. As Tyler Purser shared with the filmmakers, “She made everyone feel valued,” echoing the sentiment of being treated as if they mattered. Essentially, she fulfilled a maternal role for many who never had one during their upbringing within that environment.

Vicky’s plan for freeing Casey from jail was carefully outlined, involving regular purchases of firearms and camping equipment during her trips to Walmart. Three days before their escape, she conducted a trial run by taking Casey out for almost 10 minutes, then returning him. As the day of departure approached, Vicky made haste in submitting her retirement application and selling her home, giving the impression of urgency.

Reflecting on the situation, I can’t help but feel deeply troubled as a close acquaintance of Vicky. In interviews, her ex-colleagues express a profound sadness over what transpired with their fellow team member. Some even point fingers directly at Casey, suggesting that he exploited a vulnerable older woman, which I find quite alarming.

Casey might have genuinely loved Vicky and they could have run away together to live as a couple, avoiding law enforcement for as long as possible. Tyler Purser expresses this sentiment saying, “Don’t portray him as a monster or her as a fool. They were simply two individuals from different backgrounds who fell in love.

How were Casey and Vicky ultimately caught?

The True Story Behind Netflix’s Prison Escape Romance Jailbreak: Love on the Run

Before their capture, Vicky bought an orange Ford as a means of escape, a vehicle law enforcement stumbled upon in a tow yard seven days later. As the investigation progressed, authorities found that the duo had also purchased a truck, leading them to Evansville. Security camera footage depicts Casey entering another car – a Cadillac – and driving off.

Following Casey and Vicky to a nearby motel, authorities kept a watchful eye on the place and readied themselves for an arrest. It soon became clear to Casey and Vicky that they were being trailed, causing them to leave the motel. However, the police gave chase, ultimately leading to their Cadillac veering off the road and ending up in a ditch.

In this scenario, the airbags deployed in the car, injuring Vicky severely. Meanwhile, Casey handed himself over to the authorities, imploring them to look after his significant other, who was not his legal spouse.

What happened after Casey was caught?

Later on, Casey faced accusations of first-degree escape and felony murder related to Vicky’s demise. He contested both allegations initially, but eventually admitted guilt for the escape charge, resulting in the withdrawal of the murder charge against him.

At present, he’s doing time in prison, with his earliest possible release on parole set for the year 2081 – a time when he would be turning 98 years old.

In 2023, the production team contacted Casey while he was at Donaldson Prison. When they inquired about his thoughts regarding what would happen after his escape, Casey responded: “We assumed we wouldn’t be caught. We believed we had enough money to last us. Our plan was to find a place up there and settle down, perhaps renting a small trailer for 250 to 300 dollars per month, paying the annual rent and electric bill in advance, and then staying put and hiding out.

Casey clarified the reason for referring to Vicky as his wife despite their lack of a legal marriage: “I considered us married in my personal understanding. We didn’t have a religious or legal union, but we made our commitment to each other right then and there.

2024-09-25 15:06