AMERICUS, Ga. (WALB) - A four-day manhunt for two escaped murder suspects is over. And the Sumter County sheriff says four other people now joined them in jail.

The Sumter County Sheriff’s Office says the two inmates and another person were found inside an abandoned residence on 1st Montgomery St in Americus.

According to Sumter County Sheriff Eric Bryant, tips and technology played a role in getting the inmates back behind bars. He also says the information they shared with individuals while in custody at the jail helped them locate them.

Kentravious Holmes and Rickey Martin now additionally face charges for entering a home without permission. Property at the jail was damaged during the escape, and items were recovered that did not belong to them.

Jamar Merritt was also arrested at that abandoned home and is being charged with aiding and abetting.

Sheriff Bryant says Alvanta Bailey, Braylin Ingram, and Travis Pace assisted and/or knew the individuals escaped and failed to contact law enforcement.

“I’m very thankful that no one was injured in the recovery of these two escapees. One of the things or messages that we would send to the community is that we will remain, and we are committed to public safety for all people here in Sumter County. We appreciate their understanding and patience during the course of this investigation. I know it was uneasy for the residents and the victims in these cases, knowing that these individuals had escaped custody.” 

The Sheriff continued to say that structural issues have been addressed to ensure no other inmate will be able to escape from the jail facility.

He also says they’ll continue to review internal procedures. Ongoing training will occur for all staff.

Have a news tip or see an error that needs correction? Let us know. Please include the article’s headline in your message.

To stay up to date on all the latest news as it develops, follow WALB on Facebook and X (Twitter). For more South Georgia news, download the WALB News app from the Apple Store or Google Play.

Copyright 2026 WALB. All rights reserved.