An inmate faces the death penalty after he allegedly broke out of jail before raping and murdering a female prison worker.

Curtis Watson will appear in court later today charged with killing prison administrator Debra Johnson on August 7 2019, after allegedly escaping from the Tennessee Department of Corrections on a tractor.

Watson, who was serving a 15-year sentence for kidnap at the time, is said to have strangled, sexually assaulted and then murdered Johnson at her home inside prison grounds.

He’s charged on 15 counts in total, including first-degree murder, especially aggravated burglary and aggravated sexual battery in connection with Johnson’s death.

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After killing Johnson, Watson went on the run for several days before police finally managed to track him down, prosecutors allege.

According to an arrest affidavit, correctional officers saw Watson on a golf cart at Johnson’s house at 8.30am. He was working as a trusty at the prison at the time and was released from the prison on work detail at 7am for his duties as a groundsman, reports WMC 5.

Investigators claim Watson stole a tractor and a reflective vest from the prison for his escape sometime between 9am and 10am on August 7.

Prison officials realized Watson was missing at 11am and Johnson’s body was discovered at 11.30am when coworkers noticed she had not turned up for work, officials allege.

According to the affidavit, a cord was found wrapped around Johnson’s neck and it’s believed she was strangled to death. Investigators also reported that they found evidence of sexual assaulted as well as the reflective vest inside Johnson’s home.

The tractor Watson is accused of stealing for his escape was found at 1.30pm and around two miles from the prison. 

Watson is set to appear in court later today, Monday for a hearing that involves a bout a possible plea deal, according to Lauderdale County district attorney, Mark Davidson.

Prosecutors previously stated that they will seek the death penalty if Watson is convicted.

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