Manhunt Underway for Two Murder Suspects After Escape From Sumter County Jail
Authorities in Georgia have launched an intensive manhunt for two murder suspects who escaped from the Sumter County Jail on Sunday night. The escapees, identified as 20-year-old Rickey Martin and 21-year-old Kentravious Holmes, fled the facility in Americus, approximately 140 miles south of Atlanta, around 9:30 p.m. on February 8, 2026.
According to the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office, the inmates managed to breach the facility’s security by accessing a maintenance door in the ceiling that had not been properly secured. Sheriff Eric Bryant stated that once the men gained entry to the maintenance area, they navigated through the building’s HVAC system to reach the exterior of the jail and flee the premises.
Both individuals were being held on serious felony charges, including murder, aggravated assault, and aggravated battery. Rickey Martin had been incarcerated in connection with a March 2025 shooting incident in Americus that resulted in the death of a 5-year-old child and injuries to two others. Kentravious Holmes faces charges stemming from the fatal shooting of 21-year-old Amon Kevone Harvey at a residence on Glory Court earlier this month.
Law enforcement officials have released detailed descriptions of the fugitives to aid in their capture. Rickey Martin is described as a Black male, standing approximately 5 feet 4 inches tall and weighing roughly 120 pounds. He has untwisted dreadlocks. Kentravious Holmes is described as a Black male, approximately 5 feet 8 inches tall and weighing about 155 pounds, also with untwisted dreadlocks. Holmes has several distinctive tattoos on his face and neck, including a dollar sign, a broken heart, and the phrase “Baby Kay” inscribed above his right eye.
The Sumter County Sheriff’s Office has indicated that multiple law enforcement agencies are assisting in the search operation. While officials have not confirmed a direct link, the Americus Police Department is currently investigating a report of a vehicle stolen in the area on Monday morning. Authorities have warned the public that both men should be considered dangerous and desperate. Residents have been advised not to approach the suspects if spotted but to contact 911 or the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office immediately with any relevant information.
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