JACKSON, Miss. (AP) — The Mississippi Department of Corrections says it's continuing to investigate how a convicted murderer escaped from a prison July 5 and remained at large for two days.
A department statement says Wednesday that while the escape has not been directly connected to how many prison employees were working, understaffing "could be a contributing factor that ultimately affects public safety."
Department officials have previously told legislators that prison staff shortages are a concern.
State Sen. Dennis DeBar of Leakesville has asked the attorney general to investigate Michael F. Wilson's escape from South Mississippi Correctional Institution. DeBar says he thinks the corrections department may not conduct an impartial review.
Wilson, also known as "Pretty Boy Floyd," was captured July 7 in Ocean Springs, about 70 miles (113 kilometers) south of the prison.