Prisoner feels after release to test kidney donation
A prisoner who was temporarily released from jail to be tested as a potential kidney donor for his ailing teenage son instead fled with his girlfriend to Mexico, prompting outrage on both sides of the border, officials said today.
Nearly 100 people have offered to donate their own kidneys to 16-year-old Destin Perkins, who requires dialysis twice a week. Widespread media coverage has also given authorities renewed hope that they can capture the fugitive father.
“What’s disturbing and shocking about this case is how he used his son’s illness as a means for escape,” said Paula Simpson, a producer of the TV show America’s Most Wanted, which has featured the case. “It tugs at everyone’s hearts, and it just strengthens everyone’s resolve to get these guys in custody.”
Byron Perkins, 37, has been missing since January when he failed to show up for the medical tests. He was released on bail from jail in Louisville, Kentucky, where he had been awaiting sentencing for marijuana distribution and unlawful transport of firearms.
Perkins faced a minimum of 25 years in jail for the charges, which had been filed while he was serving a supervised release from a sentence in North Carolina for bank robbery.
Destin and his mother have said they’re disappointed in Perkins. Angela Hammond said it hurt that her son’s father wouldn’t try to come through.
“The whole thing has been a headache,” she said. “I want Destin better, first of all. That’s the biggest thing.”
Perkins and his girlfriend have been placed on the US Marshals Service list of the 15 most wanted fugitives, and authorities are offering a reward for information leading to either of their arrests. His girlfriend, Lea Ann Howard, is wanted on felony drug and firearms charges.
“It’s just amazing how much interest we’ve had in the story, and of course it’s because of the little boy,” said Rich Knighten, chief deputy US Marshal for Kentucky’s western district.
US Marshals have received dozens of tips on Perkins and Howard. While fugitives outside of the US are normally harder to catch because marshals must rely on local police, Knighten said the case has generated interest in Mexico.
“They’re as much bothered by this character as we are up here,” Knighten said.
The couple were last seen near Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, authorities said.
