Grant Hardin, a convicted murderer and rapist, has been apprehended after escaping custody last month, prompting a significant manhunt. The Izzard County Sheriff’s Office, referring to him as the “Ozarks Devil,” reported his arrest about 1.5 miles northwest of the North Central Corps prison facility.
Hardin’s identity was verified through fingerprint analysis, confirming his capture. Authorities stated he was taken into custody without any incidents, concluding weeks of searches that involved local law enforcement, state police, federal agencies, and specialized tactical units. The focus of the search had been on the remote, rough terrain surrounding the prison.
At 56 years old, Hardin was serving an 80-year sentence for the 2017 murder of James Appleton as well as a previously unresolved rape case from 1997. He escaped prison wearing a makeshift uniform that was not official, as stated by the ADC Communications Director, Land Champion.
The Izzard County Sheriff’s Office expressed gratitude towards the public and law enforcement for their vigilance during the manhunt, saying they were appreciative of the support received from various law enforcement agencies involved.
Details regarding how Hardin managed to evade capture or whether he received help during his breakout remain undisclosed, and investigations into security breaches are ongoing.
