Grant Hardin, a convicted murderer known as the ‘Devil in the Ozarks,’ has been missing for nearly ten days following his escape from the North Central Unit in Calico Rock, Arkansas, on May 25. The Arkansas Department of Corrections released a potential updated photo of Hardin, showcasing a possible short beard and mustache as authorities believe his appearance may have changed during the escape period.
Hardin, 56, previously served as the police chief of Gateway, Arkansas, for a brief four months in 2016. Tensions arose during his tenure, particularly with James Appleton, a city water department employee who disputed Hardin’s approach to police pursuits and the associated costs. On February 23, 2017, Hardin fatally shot Appleton, which led to a 30-year prison sentence after he pleaded guilty. DNA evidence later connected Hardin to a 1997 on-campus rape case, resulting in an additional 50-year sentence.
Since his escape, the search has concentrated on north-central Arkansas, where Hardin’s parents reside in Garfield. The FBI has increased the reward for information leading to his capture to $25,000, with additional contributions from the U.S. Marshals Service.
Authorities describe Hardin as a white male, standing 6 feet, 2 inches tall and weighing approximately 259 pounds, with brown hair and blue eyes. Tips regarding his whereabouts should ideally be directed to the FBI or the Arkansas Department of Corrections. As the search continues, the urgency to locate Hardin intensifies amid rising public concern for safety.
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