A man serving life without parole was recaptured Monday after escaping from prison in southeast Texas.
According to officials, the inmate's mother assisted in his escape by providing him with some of her clothing.
Robert Yancy Jr., 39, was apprehended in Matagorda County shortly after 8 a.m., as reported by TDCJ spokesperson Amanda Hernandez.
Hernandez stated that Yancy was arrested at a park in Palacios, approximately 45 miles west of the Clemens Unit of the Texas Department of Corrections, after two individuals recognized him and contacted the police.
Yancy is currently serving a life sentence without parole following his conviction in 2022 for sexual abuse of a child in Victoria County.
Yancy escaped from the prison on Sunday afternoon, and Hernandez confirmed that two individuals, including his mother, who are suspected of aiding in his escape, have been taken into custody.
"She (his mother) came to the unit wearing a black sweater and a beanie," Hernandez explained. "He put them on and was able to leave the unit with her, simply walking out."
According to the Brazoria County Pct. 4 Constable Office, Yancy departed the prison in a white 2021 Nissan Versa.
"We express our gratitude to all those involved in the collaborative effort to swiftly apprehend this dangerous individual," stated the office.
Leonor Priestle, Yancy's mother, has been charged with permit/facilitate an escape, while Russell Williams has been charged with criminal intent to escape, according to officials. Yancy himself is facing felony escape charges.
