Authorities are currently looking into how a man from Chatham-Kent, who was found guilty of first-degree murder, managed to break out of prison.
Mason Jenkins, sentenced to life for the 1998 murder of his sister, was reported missing from Collins Bay Institution in Kingston on Thursday. As of early Friday afternoon, he is still unaccounted for.
The Correctional Service of Canada (CSC) stated that Jenkins was being held in the minimum-security area of the prison.
“The environment of a minimum-security institution is designed to foster the skills needed to function in a setting with minimal supervision. This is why the perimeter is clearly defined but does not include a fence,” read a statement from CSC.
The CSC noted that inmates who might never be released can also be classified as minimum-security because it encourages positive behavior and personal growth.
“Research shows that reclassifying inmates to lower security levels increases their sense of responsibility,” read the CSC’s statement.
The CSC is collaborating with various law enforcement agencies to locate Jenkins.
There are concerns he may attempt to return to Chatham-Kent (CK), leading CK police to remain vigilant.
“The safety of our residents remains our top priority, and we are committed to taking all reasonable steps to support public safety while assisting our policing partners in their efforts to locate and apprehend the individual,” explained CK police.
If anyone sees Jenkins in CK, they should reach out to Sergeant Paul Brophy at the Criminal Investigations Section by calling (519) 436-6600, extension 80619.
People are also encouraged to contact Kingston Police at 613-549-4660, extension 0, if they have any information regarding his whereabouts.
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