CANNON COUNTY, Tenn. - An indictment reveals the crime that an escaped inmate and two of his family members allegedly committed to land him behind bars in the first place.
Investigators said alleged attempted murder suspect James Hill escaped from the Cannon County jail in July along with another inmate.
According to the grand jury, James Hill beat his landlord senseless, leaving him lying injured in a mobile home, then poured gasoline throughout the home and set it on fire, leaving the man to burn alive.
Two of his family members were also charged. Charlotte and Mary Hill were said to have been present, and may have been involved in lighting the fire
In an exclusive interview following his capture after nine hours on the run, Hill told NewsChannel 5 why he ran.
"I'm looking at 25 years. I need to try to get my freedom. I'm looking at 25 years. That's a long time to be away. I was thinking about the free world," said Hill in July.
As for the Hill's victim, he was able to crawl to safety.
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