Authorities drove a convicted murderer who escaped medical transport more than 150 miles Tuesday from Bertie Correctional Institution to UNC Gastroenterology at Hillsborough.

So why did authorities take Ramone Alston, a convicted murderer, to Orange County?

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Alston escaped Tuesday while he was being transported to receive care at UNC Gastroenterology at Hillsborough, located at 460 Waterstone Drive, according to the DAC.

WRAL News asked why Alston was taken to an out-of-county hospital in his hometown, where he has connections, instead of one in – or closer to – Bertie County, where he was serving his sentence.

Keith Acree, a spokesperson for the North Carolina Department of Adult Corrections (DAC), said Alston had received care at this facility before and was going to a follow-up appointment the day of his escape.

"Alston was returning to Hillsborough for follow-up care after being seen there previously," a DAC spokesperson wrote in an email. "It’s coincidental that Alston is from Orange County."

Bertie Correctional Institution has a contract with UNC for specialty health care services, according to Acree.

"UNC Hospitals provides for us a wide variety of specialty services, and they happen to do that for us here in Hillsborough," Acree said.

WRAL Investigates asked if, moving forward, they would make efforts to ensure prisoners are not brought to their home counties.

"Housing state inmates close to or in their home counties is very common, as it facilitates visitation with family members, which is generally a positive rehabilitative influence," the DAC spokesperson wrote.

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Timeline of Alston's escape

On Wednesday, Orange County Sheriff Charles Blackwood provided a timeline of Alston’s escape the day before.

  • 3:56 a.m. Tuesday: Alston taken to intake at Bertie Correctional Institution
    • 4:07 a.m. Tuesday: Alston put in a vehicle from the facility to the UNC Gastroenterology
      • 6:50 a.m. Tuesday: Alston arrived at UNC Gastroenterology
        • 6:59 a.m. Tuesday: Alston escorted to the back of the building at UNC Gastroenterology
          • 7 a.m. Tuesday: Alston ran and escaped
            • 7:01 a.m. Tuesday: Authorities placed a call that Alston ran away

              The DAC is now offering a $35,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of Alston.

              The Orange County Sheriff's Office provided a tip line and asked anyone with information to call 919-324-1082.

              Alston convicted of 2015 murder of 1-year-old girl

              Alston was serving a life sentence at Bertie Correctional Institution for the 2015 murder of Maleah Williams, a 1-year-old girl.

              Orange County District Attorney Jeff Neiman tried the case in 2018, calling it one of the most impactful of his career.

              "I remember this case vividly," Neiman said.

              Williams was playing with her mother on Christmas Day in 2015 when she was shot.

              "Someone who was willing to do something as dangerous as what Mr. Alston did, obviously, we're concerned about what he is capable of doing," Nieman said.

              Nieman warns there are more charges waiting not just for Alston once he's found, but anyone who helps him.

              "There is a $35,000 reward for those who assist in this man's capture," Nieman said. "There are felony charges for those who assist in his escape."