Grant Hardin, 'Devil in the Ozarks', Recaptured in Arkansas After Escape

Grant Hardin, 'Devil in the Ozarks,' Recaptured After Escape

Convicted murderer and former police chief Grant Hardin, known as the “Devil in the Ozarks,” was apprehended in Arkansas on Friday, nearly two weeks after his prison escape.

Recapture and Transfer

Hardin has been transferred to the Varner SuperMax prison near Little Rock. He was found close to the Calico Rock prison he escaped from, and quickly taken into custody after attempting to flee.

Background of the Case

Hardin, previously police chief of Gateway, Arkansas, escaped from the North Central Unit in Calico Rock. He was serving a 30-year sentence for the 2017 murder of James Appleton, and a 50-year sentence for a 1997 rape, linked by DNA in 2018.

The Manhunt

The search involved drones, bloodhounds, and helicopters. Heavy rainfall hindered search efforts due to rising creek levels. Prison spokesperson Rand Champion noted the difficulty in searching Moccasin Creek. Authorities are investigating how Hardin escaped.

Relief and Closure

Benton County prosecutor Bryan Sexton expressed relief that Hardin is now in a more secure facility. Hardin’s case gained notoriety from the documentary Devil in the Ozarks.