Death-row escapee caught
The week's news at a glance.
Shreveport, La.
A double murderer escaped from death row in Texas last week by putting on civilian clothes and walking past guards. Charles Victor Thompson was captured three days later in neighboring Louisiana, while making a phone call outside a liquor store. His escape caused major embarrassment for Houston prison officials, who admitted it was the result of “100 percent human error.” Thompson, 35, escaped after meeting with an accomplice he claimed was a lawyer. After the meeting, Thompson changed out of his prison jumpsuit into khaki pants and a blue shirt. He then strolled out of the meeting room past four prison employees and out into the street.
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
-
Can Texas redistricting save the US House for the GOP?
Today's Big Question Trump pushes a 'ruthless' new plan, but it could backfire
-
'No one should be surprised by this cynical strategy'
Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
-
Intellectual property: AI gains at creators' expense
Feature Two federal judges ruled that it is fair use for AI firms to use copyrighted media to train bots