The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) has issued a Tennessee Blue Alert for Curtis Ray Watson, a person of interest in the homicide of a Department of Correction employee Wednesday and an escapee of the West Tennessee State Penitentiary in Henning.
Lauderdale County deputies were investigating a suspected homicide at a home on Highway 87 across from the prison when they discovered Watson was missing from the prison. The victim of the homicide was a female employee of the prison.
According to a criminal history report, Watson was sentenced to 15 years in prison after being convicted of especially aggravated kidnapping in Henry County in 2012. He was also arrested by Paris Police on charges of aggravated assault and aggravated rape.
He also was sentenced to 10 years in state prison after an aggravated child abuse in Carroll County.
Henry County Sheriff Monte Belew said Watson has local connections and has spent time in the Henry County Jail. “We just want to say to people in our area: use caution and be on heightened alert for Watson. If you see him, call 911.”
Lauderdale County deputies were investigating a suspected homicide at a home on Highway 87 across from the prison when they discovered the inmate was missing.
The TBI is seeking the public’s help in locating Watson. He is a white male, 44 years old, 140 pounds. He is considered dangerous.
Call 911 or 1-800-TBI-FIND if you see him.