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Murder suspect escaped July 4th, freedom short-lived

WINONA, Mo. - A murder suspect who escaped from a southeast Missouri jail while watching a Fourth of July fireworks show is back in custody.

Winona Police Chief Alonzo Bradwell says Jason McClurg was re-arrested Sunday at a camper trailer near his hometown.

McClurg ran away from the Shannon County jail Friday night when inmates were taken outside to watch fireworks. He was on the loose for two days.

Sheriff Stephen Blunkall told CBS affiliate KFVS that the officer who took the inmates outside has been fired, adding that this is the second time an inmate has escaped under his watch.

McClurg is accused of killing his wife on May 4 by mixing prescription medications with Kool-Aid and persuading her to drink it by saying their young child made it for her, reports the station.

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