2 Killers, Rapist Escape Indiana State Prison

Manhunt under way; trio slipped max-security lockup via tunnels

By the Associated Press

Posted Jul 13, 2009 8:15 AM CDT

(AP) – Three inmates, facing a total of at least 120 more years behind bars, escaped a maximum-security prison in Indiana yesterday, apparently through underground tunnels and pipes. The men, two convicted murderers and a rapist, were considered dangerous, and prison officials used a telephone notification system to send alerts to nearby residents and others. It was not known if any of the men had weapons.

Authorities identified the men as Charles Smith, 48, Mark Booher, 46, and Lance Battreal, 45. All three faced at least 30 more years behind bars. Authorities did not know where the men might be headed, a Department of Correction spokesmen said. Investigators were poring over visitor logs and talking to the men's relatives in hopes of finding leads. The trio was discovered missing from their housing units around 10am yesterday, said the spokesman.

In this undated photo provided by the Indiana State Prison, Charles Smith is shown in a booking photo. ((AP Photo/Indiana State Prison))

In this undated photo provided by the Indiana State Prison, Lance Battreal is shown in a booking photo. ((AP Photo/Indiana State Prison))

In this undated photo provided by the Indiana State Prison, Mark Booher is shown in a booking photo. ((AP Photo/Indiana State Prison))

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2 Killers, Rapist Escape Indiana State Prison

Manhunt under way; trio slipped max-security lockup via tunnels

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Most Inmates in Honduras Fire Hadn't Been Convicted

Overcrowded prison was disaster waiting to happen

Toll in Honduras Prison Fire Rises Past 300

About 500 inmates escaped

'Hellish' Honduran Prison Fire Kills 272

Many left to burn in their cells as guard could not be found

Shots Fired to Quell San Quentin Riot

Dozens injured as new arrivals brawl

Stage Builder Cited, Fined $63K in Indiana Collapse

Mid-America Sound Corp. showed "plain indifference" to safety standards

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2 Killers, Rapist Escape Indiana State Prison

Manhunt under way; trio slipped max-security lockup via tunnels

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Most Inmates in Honduras Fire Hadn't Been Convicted

Overcrowded prison was disaster waiting to happen

Toll in Honduras Prison Fire Rises Past 300

About 500 inmates escaped

'Hellish' Honduran Prison Fire Kills 272

Many left to burn in their cells as guard could not be found

Shots Fired to Quell San Quentin Riot

Dozens injured as new arrivals brawl

Stage Builder Cited, Fined $63K in Indiana Collapse

Mid-America Sound Corp. showed "plain indifference" to safety standards

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