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.
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
Join more than 350,000 subscribers and keep yourself informed with a selection of The Week’s most interesting, enlightening and entertaining stories - plus daily puzzles.
Join more than 350,000 subscribers and keep yourself informed with a selection of The Week’s most interesting, enlightening and entertaining stories - plus daily puzzles.