After an escape from a medical center, Eric Abril, a 35-year-old prison inmate accused of a series of violent crimes, has been located by California authorities.
Abril was found shirtless, barefoot, and clad only in prison boxer shorts in the thick undergrowth by Antelope Creek ravine, behind the Edgewood Apartments. He was discovered a day after his escape, on Monday, July 10. Following his capture, he was given medical clearance and returned to the Placer County Jail.
The accused had initially been taken into custody on April 6, following an incident where he allegedly shot a Highway Patrol officer in Roseville’s Mahany Park. The situation escalated when Abril then reportedly took a married couple hostage, resulting in the death of 72-year-old James MacEgan and injuries to his wife, Patricia. In response to these events, Abril was arrested and charged with murder, attempted murder, and other related offenses. He had been held without bail in Placer County jail prior to his escape.
The Placer County Sheriff’s Office confirmed Abril’s escape, which took place from the Sutter Roseville Medical Center on Sunday, July 9. The circumstances surrounding his escape indicate that Abril was able to free himself from his restraints on the second floor of the medical center and exit through the hospital door. Despite being under constant surveillance, he was able to evade the sole deputy who was assigned to guard him.
Investigations are now ongoing to determine how Abril was able to escape custody, with a focus on whether the deputy guarding him may have deviated from departmental procedures. The reason for Abril’s hospitalization remains undisclosed.