Inmate John Manard, who inspired a movie with his escape from a Kansas prison in a dog crate, passes away at 45.

John Manard, the notorious inmate who escaped from a Kansas jail hidden in a canine crate and impressed a e book and TV film, has handed away on the age of 45 whereas nonetheless behind bars. His loss of life occurred on the La Palma Correctional Facility in Eloy, Arizona, as confirmed by the Kansas Division of Corrections. The reason for his loss of life is pending the outcomes of an post-mortem, in accordance with division spokesperson Jennifer King.

Manard was serving a life sentence for a killing in suburban Kansas Metropolis when he met Toby Younger, a married mom of two who labored on the jail serving to inmates practice animals for adoption. The 2 developed a romantic relationship, resulting in their notorious escape on February 12, 2006. Younger, then 47, aided Manard, then 27, to flee by hiding him in a crate and driving him out of the jail.

Authorities captured the pair 12 days later in east Tennessee, and upon looking their distant cabin, they discovered peculiar gadgets similar to a parakeet, intercourse toys, a guitar, and sheet music to the film “O Brother, The place Artwork Thou?” Younger was sentenced for her function within the escape and likewise pleaded responsible to giving a gun to Manard. She was launched in 2008 and later wrote a e book about her expertise titled “Dwelling With Conviction.”

The escape story gained nationwide consideration and was featured on reveals like “Dateline,” in addition to inspiring the Lifetime film “Jailbreak Lovers.” In a letter to a Kansas Metropolis tv station, Manard described his relationship with Younger as a “fairytale love the scale of infinity.” He additionally wrote a letter to the Kansas Metropolis Star, referring to himself as a “17-year-old baby” and expressing regret for the deadly carjacking that led to his life sentence.

Regardless of their tumultuous previous, Younger, now generally known as Toby Dorr following a remarriage, expressed sorrow over Manard’s passing in a heartfelt Fb submit. She wished him peace and acknowledged his newfound freedom in loss of life.

The saga of John Manard and Toby Younger captivated audiences with its mixture of romance, crime, and daring escape, showcasing the complexities of human relationships and the results of impulsive actions. Though their story has come to an finish with Manard’s passing, it leaves behind a legacy that can be remembered by way of books, motion pictures, and information studies for years to return.