NewsStateState-Kentucky

Actions

PD: Body pulled from Ohio River in Kentucky identified as escaped Ohio inmate Bradley Gillespie

Bradley Gillespie was convicted in a double murder
police
Posted at 7:15 PM, May 28, 2023
and last updated 2023-05-30 08:16:34-04

HENDERSON, Ky. — A body pulled from the Ohio River in Kentucky on Sunday afternoon has been identified as escaped Ohio inmate Bradley Gillespie, Henderson Police Chief Sean McKinney said at a press conference.

Gillespie's body was pulled from the riverfront in Henderson, Kentucky, which is near Evansville, Indiana.

"Today I believe we have closure to our five-day manhunt," McKinney said.

Gillespie, 50, was one of two inmates that escaped from the Allen-Oakwood Correctional Institution in Lima on May 23. The other inmate, James Lee, was arrested by Henderson police early May 24 near the Indiana-Kentucky border.

The now-deceased inmate had been in prison since 2016 after being convicted of a double murder.

Both Lee and Gillespie were able to escape the prison after concealing themselves in a dumpster, according to the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction (ODRC).

As ODRC conducts an internal investigation into the escape, four employees — one major and three correction officers — were placed on paid administrative leave. ODRC said additional employees could be placed on administrative leave as the investigation continues.

It's unclear at this time if any of those employees will be fired.

READ MORE:
Kentucky to form statewide urban search and rescue team
'Don't make those moves that would be dangerous': Former chief warns of police nerves after deputy's death
Carroll County to receive $500k from EPA for environmental cleanup, including defunct furniture factory