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HENNING, Tenn. (August 11) — Curtis Ray Watson, 44, formerly of Huntingdon, was captured Sunday in Henning just a few miles from the West Tennessee State Penitentiary, where he escaped while on farm work detail as a trusty.
Watson made his escape on his birthday as he was operating a farm tractor. He killed Debra Johnson, 64, in her on-site home. Johnson was a prison administrator and considered a dedicated and true corrections officer. Watson remained at large for five days as 300-400 law enforcement personnel searched for him. The TBI received 430 tips during the manhunt.
A reward was offered for information leading to his capture and people were advised to be on constant lookout for the dangerous criminal. His photograph was circulated through traditional media, social media, and billboards.
Area residents were on alert and concerned he would return to the area. As one local law enforcement officer said, convicts have a way of returning to familiar playgrounds with familiar playmates. Watson’s family locally was secured by authorities.
It was Harvey and Ann Taylor of Henning, who made the 911 call and possibly earned the reward. They were alerted when something triggered their Ring video doorbell on the rear of their home Sunday around 3:30 a.m. They watched as the suspect opened a refrigerator outside of the house. During a press conference on Sunday, Harvey Taylor said when the subject, dressed in camouflage, closed the refrigerator, they could see his beard. During the press conference, Taylor laughed and said the beard looked like his. Mrs. Taylor phoned 911 as Mr. Taylor prepared himself in case Watson attempted to enter the home.
Officers from throughout the area converged on Henning. Six officers and two tracking canines from Henry County Sheriff’s Department assisted. When Watson was taken into custody, it was Atwood resident Natt Moore, a special agent with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, who had Watson in custody. He was assisted by his partner, TBI Agent Joe Hudgins, also of Carroll County.