MEMPHIS, Tenn. — An escaped inmate at the West Tennessee State Penitentiary in Lauderdale County, is also a person of interest in the homicide of a corrections employee, today.

Authorities are searching for Curtis Ray Watson, who escaped Wednesday.

One person near the area of the penitentiary has been found dead.

The prison in Henning houses adult male prisoners in maximum, medium and minimum security custody.

UPDATE: Authorities in Lauderdale County say Watson is serving time for aggravated kidnapping and child abuse has escaped from the state prison located at Henning, Tennessee.

One source said a prison guard has been killed—apparently related to the escape.

According to a bulletin sent to area law enforcement, the search is on for Curtis Watson, 44. He is a white male, 5’11’ tall, 180 pounds. He was wearing a prison blue uniform.

Watson was last seen on a farm tractor on prison property. The tractor is also missing and authorities say they don’t know his direction of travel.

(PHOTO: State Penitentiary at Ft. Pillow)

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