Convicted Murderer Escapes Prison, Community on High Alert

Bradley Gillespie, a 50-year-old convicted murderer, is on the run in Ohio after escaping with another inmate from the Allen/Oakwood Correctional Institution (AOCI) in Lima, Ohio.

Gillespie was serving two consecutive 15-year-to-life sentences for the double murder of 21-year-old Hannah Fischer and her boyfriend Frank Tracy, Jr., 47. Gillespie was found guilty of the fatal shooting in Sept. 2016, and after his brief trial, the victims’ relatives declared that “justice was served for Hannah and Frank.”

James Lee, 47, was Gillespie’s fellow escapee incarcerated at AOCI on burglary and safecracking charges. The two men escaped on Monday morning, and the Ohio Department of Correction and Rehabilitation immediately warned the public, declaring that both inmates were “dangerous” and should not be approached. A $21,000 reward was soon offered for information leading to their capture.

Early Wednesday morning, Lee was arrested in Hendersonville, Kentucky, and Gillespie is now the sole fugitive. Police are searching for Gillespie and have advised nearby residents to lock their doors and call 911 to report any suspicious activity. The Ohio Department of Correction and Rehabilitation maintains its offer of a $21,000 reward for any information that leads to the capture of Brad Gillespie.

The community is on high alert as the dangerous killer has yet to be apprehended. Police are reminding residents to remain cautious and take the necessary safety precautions.