Escaped prisoner's victim speaks out

Orange County authorities seek 2 escaped inmates

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – Crystal Pugh is living in hiding and living in fear now that her husband's killer is out walking the streets.

[RELATED: Two escaped inmates still sought]

Joseph Jenkins was one of two Orange County men who shot and killed Roscoe Pugh during a home invasion in 1998. It happened right in front of Crystal, who was pregnant at the time, and their five children.

"The wanted what they wanted, they got what they wanted, they left with what they wanted and they still murdered my husband," said Pugh. "Not knowing where this man is and who's going to be next (is terrifying)."

The State Attorney's office said Jenkins was mistakenly released three weeks ago on Sept. 27. A week later, another convicted Orange County killer, Charles Walker, also walked out of a north Florida prison.

Investigators said both men, who were supposed to be serving life sentences, used fake court documents to reduce their sentences.

The papers included the forged signatures of State Attorney Jeff Ashton and Chief Judge Belvin Perry among others.

[RELATED: Perry's name forged in killers' release]

Ashton's office announced Thursday night they found out about the scheme earlier this week when someone in Pugh's own family had been notified of Jenkins' release and contacted prosecutors.

Crystal Pugh disagrees.

"That's not true at all. They're trying to cover their behinds because they failed to meet the protocol," said Pugh.

Pugh said she just found out about Jenkins' release Wednesday night and she fears he's armed, desperate and dangerous.


About the Author:

Lisa Bell has been in Central Florida since 2007, covering the big stories that impact our community. Lisa was promoted to News 6 evening news co-anchor in May 2014.