Two convicted murderers, Alison McDonagh, 49, and Stephen McParland, 54, escaped from prison in Northern Ireland in January 2023. The pair were on temporary release when they absconded, sparking a nationwide manhunt.
According to the Police Service of Northern Ireland, the inmates were last seen at Lanyon Place Train Station in Belfast on January 21 at 1:45 PM. They were believed to have been in each other’s company at the time of their escape.
McDonagh was serving a life sentence for a murder committed in 2004, while McParland was serving a life sentence for a killing that occurred in 1997.
The Northern Ireland Prison Service confirmed that the pair had absconded and that an urgent appeal had been put out for their capture.
The manhunt for the escaped murderers quickly gained nationwide attention, with many questioning the effectiveness of the Northern Ireland prison system and its ability to keep dangerous criminals behind bars.
The public was warned not to approach the escapees, who were considered to be armed and dangerous.
The police urged anyone with information about the whereabouts of McDonagh and McParland to come forward. A reward was also offered for any information leading to their capture.
Despite the efforts of law enforcement, the pair remained at large for several days, leaving many to fear for their safety. However, the authorities were eventually able to track down and apprehend the escapees, bringing an end to the manhunt and bringing a sense of relief to the community.
