Zion Britt was back in custody less than 48 hours after being mistakenly released from the Columbus County Detention Center.
Britt had been transferred to the Columbus County Detention Center for safekeeping and was being held in connection with a 2021 homicide.
Britt, 26, of Lumberton was captured around 5 a.m. this morning (Thursday) at the Motel 6 on Lackey Street in Lumberton, according to the Robeson County Sheriff’s Office. The Columbus County Sheriff’s Office, Lumberton Police Department, and U.S. Marshals Service Carolinas Fugitive Task Force assisted with the capture.
The RCSO said Britt impersonated another inmate while being held in Columbus Detention Center, and was released Tuesday at approximately 9:15 p.m. That inmate was set for release, the RCSO said.
Columbus County notified Robeson of Britt’s escape Wednesday night. The investigation into Britt’s escape is ongoing and being conducted by the Columbus County Sheriff’s Office, the RCSO said.
“This incident is being taken with the utmost seriousness,” Sheriff Bill Rogers said in a social media post. “A comprehensive investigation remains active to determine the circumstances surrounding how and why the release occurred. That investigation will thoroughly examine all procedures and actions involved, and appropriate accountability will follow once findings are complete.
The Columbus County Sheriff’s Office stands firmly behind the deputies, detention officers, and investigators who responded decisively and professionally to protect the public.”
Britt and another man allegedly shot Frankie Scott to death on Suggs Road in Lumberton in 2021, according to warrants. Britt was arrested two days after the killing on unrelated charges. Both Britt and Tyaun Stackhouse were charged with murder and conspiracy to commit murder.
