Law enforcement agencies across metro Atlanta are conducting an intensive search for three inmates who escaped from the DeKalb County Jail during the early morning hours Monday, including one murder suspect and one convicted killer serving a life sentence.

Sheriff Melody Maddox confirmed the escape was discovered during routine security procedures when correctional officers conducting their rounds found the inmates missing from their assigned locations. The discovery prompted an immediate facility-wide search and activation of emergency protocols.

The escaped detainees have been identified as Stevenson Charles, 24, facing murder and armed robbery charges; Yusuf Minor, 31, a convicted murderer currently serving life imprisonment; and Naod Yohannes, 25, charged with arson and assault offenses.

Authorities immediately alerted law enforcement agencies throughout the region following the discovery. The U.S. Marshals Service mobilized resources to support the search, with Chief Deputy John Stevens confirming federal involvement in tracking the fugitives.

Sheriff Maddox characterized the security breach as an extremely serious matter requiring urgent resolution. She emphasized that investigators are working around the clock to locate and safely apprehend the escapees before they can harm others or themselves.

However, critical questions remain unanswered about how the trio managed to breach jail security. Officials have not disclosed the method of escape, whether the inmates received outside assistance, or what security vulnerabilities might have enabled their departure from the facility.

Federal authorities scheduled a press conference for Tuesday morning at the Richard B. Russell Federal Building to address the ongoing investigation. Representatives from the U.S. Marshals Service, DeKalb Sheriff's Office, and U.S. Attorney's office are expected to provide updates on the manhunt and discuss circumstances surrounding the escape.

Stevenson Charles represents the highest priority target for federal marshals due to his extensive criminal record spanning multiple jurisdictions. Beyond his pending murder charges in DeKalb County, Charles was previously convicted of federal armed carjacking in Florida, bringing his case under federal jurisdiction.

U.S. Marshal Thomas Brown issued a stark warning directed at Charles and other fugitives. He emphasized that federal resources would pursue escapees relentlessly until they face justice, stating that violators of federal law will find no refuge or peace while evading capture.

According to court documents, Charles allegedly shot and killed Carl Steinke in November 2022, subsequently stealing the victim's vehicle and mobile phone. A DeKalb grand jury indicted him on those charges in 2024.

Charles already faces life imprisonment from a separate Gwinnett County conviction. In November 2024, he pleaded guilty to multiple violent felonies including false imprisonment, aggravated sodomy, kidnapping, armed robbery, and aggravated assault. These crimes also occurred during November 2022, establishing a pattern of violent criminal activity during that period.

Yusuf Minor presents an equally dangerous threat to public safety. He is currently serving a life sentence plus 25 years for a Clayton County murder conviction, though he remains eligible for eventual parole consideration.

Georgia Department of Corrections records confirm Minor's conviction in early 2024 on charges including malice murder, felony murder, aggravated assault, and weapons possession during felony commission. His presence in DeKalb County Jail suggests he faced additional criminal charges beyond his existing murder conviction.

The third escapee, Naod Yohannes, faces a combination of original charges and violations committed while incarcerated. A grand jury indicted him in September 2024 on arson and criminal damage to property charges. Subsequently, jail authorities filed additional charges against him for simple assault and rioting within the correctional facility.

This incident follows a recent pattern of jail escapes across Georgia that have raised concerns about correctional facility security. Less than three weeks ago, a Rockdale County inmate escaped custody while receiving medical treatment at Grady Memorial Hospital, triggering a multi-county search that ended nearly three days later when authorities located him in Newton County.

The May 2024 escape of ten Louisiana inmates from Orleans Parish Jail drew national attention and demonstrated the challenges law enforcement faces tracking multiple escapees simultaneously. That incident culminated in October when authorities arrested the final fugitive in Fulton County, more than five months after the initial breakout.

DeKalb District Attorney Sherry Boston confirmed her office maintains close coordination with law enforcement agencies managing the search operation. She urged residents to exercise extreme caution and immediately report any suspicious activity or potential sightings.

The jail's location near Interstate 285 and Memorial Drive places it in proximity to numerous county facilities, residential neighborhoods, and commercial areas. This urban setting increases the complexity of containment efforts while heightening public safety concerns about armed fugitives moving through populated areas.

Local officials emphasized that residents should not attempt to confront or detain the escapees under any circumstances. All three inmates are considered armed and dangerous, with extensive histories of violent criminal behavior that make direct confrontation potentially lethal.

The DeKalb Sheriff's Office established a dedicated fugitive tip line at 404-298-8200 for anyone with information about the escapees' whereabouts. Authorities stress that even seemingly insignificant observations could prove crucial to the investigation.

Security experts note that jail escapes, while relatively rare, expose vulnerabilities in correctional systems that require immediate attention. The circumstances of this breach will likely prompt comprehensive security reviews to identify and address any systemic weaknesses that enabled the inmates' departure.

Federal marshals possess extensive resources for tracking fugitives, including sophisticated surveillance technology, interstate coordination networks, and specialized tactical teams. These capabilities significantly enhance the likelihood of successful apprehension, though the timeline remains uncertain.

As the search continues, law enforcement agencies are canvassing areas where the fugitives might seek shelter, transportation, or assistance. Investigators are also monitoring known associates and family members who might provide aid to the escapees.

The community awaits Tuesday's press conference for additional details about the escape method, timeline of events, and specific measures authorities are implementing to ensure public safety during the ongoing manhunt. Updates will be provided as the situation develops.