Grant Hardin, 56, known as the “Devil in the Ozarks” from an HBO documentary, has been missing for nearly 10 days after escaping from the North Central Unit in Calico Rock, Arkansas, on May 25. The Arkansas Department of Corrections has released an updated photo illustration of Hardin, now possibly sporting a short beard and mustache, to aid in his capture.
Hardin’s escape was captured on security footage, showing him pushing a cart of wooden pallets while disguised in a law enforcement-style uniform to avoid detection. His criminal history includes a brief tenure as police chief in Gateway, Arkansas, in 2016, where he initially faced criticism for the management of police vehicle repairs. This contentious relationship culminated in the 2017 shooting of city water department employee James Appleton, with whom Hardin had clashed, leading to a 30-year sentence after Hardin pleaded guilty. Additionally, DNA evidence later linked him to a 1997 rape case, resulting in a 50-year sentence after another guilty plea.
Authorities are primarily focusing their search on north-central Arkansas, where Hardin’s parents reside in Garfield. The reward for information leading to Hardin’s capture has increased to $25,000, thanks to contributions from the FBI and U.S. Marshals Service. Descriptions of Hardin indicate he is white, 6 feet 2 inches tall, weighs approximately 259 pounds, and has brown hair and blue eyes. Officials urge anyone with relevant information or potential sightings to contact the FBI or the Corrections Department.
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