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CRIME, POLICE + COURTS

Arizona murder suspects escape custody in southern Utah, police say

UPDATED: AUGUST 28, 2019 AT 11:15 AM
BY
News Director

BLANDING, Utah — Police in Tucson, Arizona, say a pair of murder suspects escaped custody by overpowering their security officers in Blanding, Utah, on the way to Tucson from New York.

Photo: Tucson Police Department

Photo: Tucson Police Department

According to Tucson police, Blane Barksdale, 56, and Susan Barksdale, 59, should be considered armed and dangerous.

The Barksdales were being extradited from Henrietta, New York to Pima County, Arizona, in connection with the murder of Frank Bligh, 72, in April.

Investigators say the Barksdales were last seen driving a red GMC Sierra pickup truck with an Arizona plate reading 127XTY. The truck has damage to its front passenger side and rear bumper. Police could not say what direction the murder suspects were headed, but believe it is possible they are making their way through Arizona. Additionally, police say Blane Barksdale has numerous tattoos on his arms and hands.

Police say if you spot the Barksdales, you should not approach them yourself, but should instead call 911 right away.