PIERRE, SD- Prisoners fleeing from possible coronavirus infection and a warden’s abrupt resignation have thrown the South Dakota Women’s Prison into turmoil.
Three more of the women who escaped from the minimum security facility in Pierre are back in custody. Inmates Carly Schoneman, Alice Richards and Kayla Lamont were apprehended in Pierre Wednesday night, March 25. Inmates Philomene Boneshirt and Sylvia Red Leaf remain on escape status.
Earlier this week on Monday, March 25, nine inmates walked out of the state facility. Early Tuesday morning Samantha Waters was captured in Rapid City and later in the day, three others were apprehended on the Crow Creek Reservation; Kelsey Flute, Jordan Wakeman and Pamela Miller.
Also on Tuesday, the warden of the prison abruptly resigned. Wanda Markland left her position immediately. There is now an interim warden running the prison.
The women were in the same unit that another inmate who tested positive for COVID-19 was in.
Governor Krist Noem on Thursday, said that the recaptured inmates tested negative for the virus.
