NEWTON COUNTY – A person who escaped custody earlier this yr has been sentenced to substantial time in jail.
In accordance with courtroom paperwork, Kendrick Hurst of Oxford has been sentenced to 10 years in jail on an escape cost stemming from his days-long manhunt in Could. The sentencing occurred earlier this month after Hurst entered a negotiated responsible plea.
Hurst was additionally sentenced to 12 months for prison trespass. The 2 sentences will run concurrent.
Moreover, Hurst additionally pleaded responsible in three different circumstances; a 2023 misdemeanor theft by taking; a 2023 housebreaking and a 2024 terroristic threats, fleeing from legislation enforcement, and different prices. With these, he was sentenced to twenty years on probation after he serves the ten years on the escape cost.
On Could 4, the NCSO introduced that Hurst had escaped from custody whereas present process a medical go to at Piedmont hospital. Particulars are nonetheless unclear on how he precisely escaped.
Days later, video footage confirmed what seemed to be Hurst within the woods of a close-by Oxford residence standing off with officers. Regardless of the standoff, Hurst as soon as once more escaped and was not seen once more till he was apprehended on Could 10 in Wake County, North Carolina.
Hurst has since been in custody, main as much as his November sentencing.
Two others have been charged with aiding Hurst in his escape. Gerald Harper of Oxford was the primary arrested on Could 7, whereas Diamante Seymour was arrested on Could 13 after Hurst was already apprehended.
Courtroom paperwork present that the unique warrant towards Seymour was dismissed in June on account of considerations concerning the venue. Nevertheless, after additional investigation the Newton County District Legal professional’s Workplace introduced the case to the grand jury in October, the place an indictment towards Hurst and Seymour was issued. Seymour has pleaded not responsible.
Harper’s case continues to be working via the courtroom techniques.
