Man convicted of murder back in custody after walking away from Alabama prison work release

UPDATE: Authorities said Leon Michael Jolly is back in custody.

EARLIER: A man serving prison time for murder is on the run after authorities say he escaped custody Wednesday afternoon.

Leon Michael Jolly, 54, is serving a 30-year sentenced for the 2006 death of his girlfriend, Martha Hardy. The woman died of strangulation, according to court records.

Jolly pleaded guilty to murder in Madison County in 2008.

Jolly was currently assigned to the Childersburg Community Based Facility and Community Work Center on Plant Road in Childersburg, according to Central Alabama Crime Stoppers.

At 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jolly reportedly walked away from his assigned municipal squad.

Jolly is 5-feet, 8-inches tall and weighs about 240 pounds. He is now facing an escape charge.

Anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 334-215-STOP (7867) or 1-833-AL1-STOP (833-251-7867). Tips can also be submitted through the agency’s P3-tips app.