James Stinson, an Indiana car-wash worker and grandfather of three, died of a heart attack while mowing his lawn. His persistent observation of an unattended pickup with Tennessee plates, and surveillance footage from his workplace, helped authorities locate escaped inmate Casey White and corrections officer Vicky White. A vehicle pursuit followed and both suspects were taken into custody. Stinson did not receive the government reward, and supporters later started a GoFundMe to honor his role.
Indiana Man Who Helped Authorities Capture Casey White Dies Suddenly While Mowing Lawn
James Stinson, the Indiana car-wash worker whose tip helped end the high-profile search for escaped Alabama inmate Casey White and corrections officer Vicky White, has died after suffering a heart attack while mowing his lawn, his family said.
Stinson, a grandfather of three, became involved in the investigation after noticing an unattended pickup truck with Tennessee license plates that had remained parked in the bay at the car wash where he worked. He alerted law enforcement after repeatedly seeing the vehicle still there during his shifts.
I noticed the car hanging out of the bay, which was unusual. It kept sitting there ... Every time I left and came back, the truck was still there, Stinson told NewsNation in an interview.
Surveillance footage from the car wash, combined with Stinson's tip, helped investigators locate White and the corrections officer. The encounter led to a vehicle pursuit that ended with both suspects taken into custody.
Although Stinson's information was pivotal to locating the fugitives, he did not receive the government reward money that had been offered. Supporters later launched a GoFundMe to raise a civilian reward in recognition of his role.
Family members remembered Stinson for his quick thinking and community-mindedness. No further details about funeral arrangements were immediately available.
Reporting based on NewsNation coverage of the case.
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