Murderer Is Captured 33 Years After Escape

NASHVILLE, Dec. 2 -- A convicted murderer who escaped from a work-release program 33 years ago was captured in Alabama, where he had been working in construction using his real name, U.S. marshals announced Saturday.

Billy Wayne Hayes, 57, was arrested by marshals and police Friday night in Dothan, Ala., nearly 350 miles from Nashville, where he had been imprisoned.

Hayes was sentenced in 1968 to serve 10 years at the Tennessee State Prison for second-degree murder. He was assigned to a work-release program. He did not return after signing out for work on Dec. 21, 1972.

U.S. marshals in Nashville received information earlier in the week that Hayes might be in Mobile, Ala., or Dothan. Hayes had been working in construction sites in Alabama using his real name.

Officers said Hayes was surprised when arrested. He acknowledged that he had escaped and said he had no idea why he fled. Hayes said he had only a short time left to serve when he escaped.

Authorities in Alabama said crack cocaine was found inside Hayes's clothing when he was arrested. He was charged with drug possession.

Hayes was taken to the Dothan jail. There are plans to transfer him to the Houston County jail, where he will face extradition. A warrant has been issued for his return to the custody of Tennessee authorities.