3 inmates, including man charged with murder, escape from Georgia jail

Decatur, Georgia — A manhunt is underway in the Atlanta area after three inmates escaped from the DeKalb County Jail early Monday morning, raising serious public safety concerns as law enforcement intensifies efforts to locate the fugitives.

The escape was discovered during a routine security check when officers found the three men missing from their cells at the county jail in Decatur, a suburb east of downtown Atlanta. DeKalb County Sheriff Melody Maddox described the situation as a “serious breach” and said local law enforcement agencies are actively working with federal partners to track down the escapees.

The three men have been identified as Stevenson Charles, 24; Yusuf Minor, 31; and Naod Yohannes, 25. Each was being held on serious charges at the time of their escape. Charles is charged with murder and armed robbery, Minor is facing counts of armed robbery and unlawful possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, and Yohannes was being held on charges including simple assault and arson. Investigators have warned that the escapees should be considered armed and dangerous and urged members of the public not to approach them if spotted.

The exact method of escape has not been fully disclosed by officials, but preliminary reports suggest there may have been activity involving the jail’s ventilation system shortly before the discovery. Deputies reportedly found what appeared to be a rope tied to a vent and extending down from a high point inside the facility—a clue authorities are examining as part of their ongoing inquiry.

The urgency of the search reflects the severity of the charges against the escapees. Charles, in particular, is described as a violent offender with an extensive criminal record. Beyond the murder and armed robbery charges he faced in DeKalb County, he has previously been convicted in other jurisdictions for a series of violent offenses. Officials have emphasized that the combination of his alleged history and the circumstances of the escape pose a considerable risk to public safety.

Law enforcement sources have said that all available resources are being marshaled in the effort to locate the fugitives. The DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office Fugitive Unit is coordinating with local police, state agencies, and the U.S. Marshals Service to canvass areas around the jail and surrounding communities. Roadblocks, patrols, and tips hotlines have been activated as part of the response, and residents have been encouraged to remain vigilant.

Authorities acknowledged the community’s concern following the escape. A family member of one of the alleged victims in the murder case expressed worry about the fugitives being at large, highlighting the emotional toll such incidents can have on those directly affected.

The sheriff’s office also reiterated a standard public safety message: if anyone believes they have seen the escapees, they should immediately contact law enforcement rather than attempting to intervene. Police involvement is particularly important because the men may be desperate and unpredictable as they evade capture.

Prison escapes of this nature, particularly involving individuals charged with violent crimes, are relatively uncommon, but when they occur they prompt swift and broad responses precisely because of the potential danger to public order. In this case, the involvement of federal authorities alongside local agencies reflects the seriousness with which the situation is being treated.

Beyond the immediate manhunt, the incident is likely to prompt internal review and questions about facility security protocols at the DeKalb County Jail, though officials have not yet commented publicly on whether preliminary investigations have identified procedural lapses or vulnerabilities that may have facilitated the escape.

The broader community response has included both concern and calls for calm. Civic leaders and public safety officials emphasize cooperation with law enforcement in the hours following such escapes, stressing that public tips and vigilance can be instrumental in apprehending fugitives quickly.

While the escape has understandably raised alarm in the immediate area, authorities are proceeding with a coordinated plan designed to minimize risk and recapture the men as soon as possible. Whether through roadblocks, aerial surveillance, or tips from residents, the collective effort aims to bring the escapees into custody without further incident or harm to the community.