Former Shelton Murderer CAPTURED!

Press Release
For Immediate Release
Contact: (360)427-9670 Ext 313 or (360)275-4467 Ext 313
Authority: Chief Deputy Dean Byrd

Update - Wednesday, October 17, 2007

Roy Townsend was captured last night in Spokane Washington. TOWNSEND was captured along with his sister who he had been in contact with an "Evelyn" just prior to his escape. Evelyn WATSON (not pictured) is his sister and resides in the Everett area.

Shelton, Wa - Tuesday, September 18, 2007

Case Number: 07-14831

Convicted Murderer, Roy Townsend, 37, who was convicted in Mason County for the 1996 murder of Gerald Harkins escaped, from the Florence Correctional Center in Florence, Arizona at about 1:00 AM on Monday. Townsend's escape occurred with another inmate identified as Kollin Folsom, 24. According to Arizona officials, Townsend and Folsom overpowered and tied up a correctional officer while they were performing cleaning duties. The two then gained access to ladders which they used to scale a prison roof and two fences to make good their escape.

Folsom was subsequently captured by local law enforcement officials, but Townsend remains at large. Both inmates were serving sentences for murder convictions in Washington State. The Pinal County, Arizona Sheriff''s Office and Florence Police Departments have been conducting an extensive investigation and search for Townsend. The Mason County Sheriff's Office, in cooperation with Arizona law enforcement agencies is conducting its own investigation in the event Townsend should make his way here. Investigators are looking into the possibility of local family or friends possibly having contact with Townsend.

Roy Townsend is described as a white male, 5 feet 11 inches tall, with black hair and brown eyes. At the time of the escape Townsend was wearing blue jeans and a white T shirt or blue top.

Townsend was convicted of arson, theft and murder in the shooting of Gerald Harkins in Mason County, Wash. Townsend's release date is Sept. 5, 2054.

Folsom was convicted of first-degree murder for the stabbing of Clinton Williams, his girlfriend's father, in November 1999 in Washougal, Wash.

Citizens having information about the whereabouts of Roy Townsend are cautioned not to approach him and call 911 immediately. Due to the violent nature of the escape and Townsend's previous convictions, he is considered armed and dangerous.

Photos of Roy Townsend: