Watch: Murder Suspect Knows Exactly What He Can Do When State Law Forces Deputies to Uncuff Him

An Oregon homicide defendant made a quick exit from a courtroom in a wild escape caught on camera. Edi Villalobos Jr, 28, bolted for the courtroom exit shortly after Washington County Sheriff’s Department deputies…

IJR SyndicatedMar 11, 20232 min read

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enforcement.

The escape attempt could even be described as mildly successful, given that Villalobos Jr. was ultimately loose for the duration of a two-hour manhunt, according to KSAZ-TV.

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The suspect was eventually captured after an area resident called 911, reporting a stranger attempting to break into an apartment.

“Deputies entered the apartment and located Villalobos hiding in a closet underneath a blanket,” the agency indicated.

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Some viewers were perplexed that Villalobos Jr. wasn’t adequately restrained to prevent an escape.

The Washington County Sheriff’s Office pointed to an OregonLaw that requires defendants to be unshackled in courtrooms during proceedings, according to KSAZ.

“Per OregonLaw, the deputies removed all restraints from Villalobos during the jury selection process,” the agency indicated.

“At around 11 a.m., the Court took a break, and restraints were placed back on Villalobos. When the break ended, deputies again removed all restraints from Villalobos, as directed by OregonLaw.”

Villalobos Jr. is facing two new charges of first-degree Burglary, as well as a count of second-degree escape in connection to his courthouse actions. Villalobos Jr. was accused of Murder and several other felonies before the escape attempt.

The start of the escapee’s trial was delayed in the wake of the incident. He’s slated for another court appearance on Mar. 21.

This article appeared originally on The Western Journal.