Clovis Jail Escapee Caught in Amarillo
By: Danielle Todesco
Updated: October 6, 2008
The fifth of eight inmates who escaped in August is now back behind bars. We went to speak with Larry McClendon's mother after his capture. Melody Carter breathes a sigh of relief after her son was recaptured in Amarillo. But she says it's a double-edged sword, because he now faces more charges for escaping on top of his previous charge for murder.
"I'm relieved that he's safe, but like I said he's fighting for his life so, I'm not relieved about that part." says Melody.
21-year-old McClendon was one of eight inmates to escape from the Curry County Jail in Clovis late August. Now, his capture on Saturday morning makes him the fifth back in custody...something Carter admits was partly her doing.
"He said he was close and he wanted to come see me and like I said I've been working with the US Marshals and I gave Mr. Clark a call and let him know he was close by."
She's also notified police of other phone calls McClendon made to her and she has continually pleaded for him to turn himself in. But she says she's felt all along her son is innocent of murder, which is one thing she thinks may have made him run.
"He did not commit that murder and I believe 100% that he's innocent of it. I did speak to an investigator down there in Clovis who said he thought he was not the person who pulled that trigger."
Now, Carter has packed up to move to Clovis and will be standing by her son throughout both of his trials. He is expected to be extradited back to Clovis from Amarillo this week.
Three of those inmates remain on the loose tonight: Michael England, Louis Chavez and Edward Salas. Salas was convicted of murering a child. All three are listed on America's Most Wanted.
