FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 9, 2005

INMATE ESCAPES FROM ROANE COUNTY COURTHOUSE, CORRECTIONAL OFFICER FATALLY WOUNDED

KINGSTON, Tenn, - Tennessee Department of Correction inmate, George Hyatte, escaped from the Roane County Courthouse at approximately 9:20 a.m. (CDT).

Shots were exchanged outside the courthouse between two Brushy Mountain Correctional Complex transportation officers and a female accomplice identified as the inmate's wife, Jennifer Hyatte.  The two escaped in a dark blue Ford Explorer that was later found abandoned.

The shooting resulted in the death of Correctional Officer Wayne Morgan, age 56, a 28-year veteran of the department at the Brushy Mountain Correctional Complex.

The Governor's Prison Escape Plan was activated at 9:48 a.m. (CDT).

Inmate Hyatte was assigned to the Riverbend Maximum Security Institution in Nashville until July 14 when he was transferred to the Brushy Mountain Complex in Petros for his pending court-ordered hearing in Roane County.

Hyatte is serving a 35-year sentence out of Rhea County for aggravated assault and aggravated robbery.

Hyatte is a 34-year old black male with brown eyes, black hair and medium complexion.  He is 5' 5" tall and weighs approximately 140 pounds.

If you have any information regarding these two individuals, please contact the Tennessee Highway Patrol, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation or the Department of Correction Internal Affairs Division at (615) 741-7144.

 
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