PINE BLUFF, Ark., — A convicted murderer serving a 20-year sentence walked away from a work detail Saturday evening in Pine Bluff just 150 miles outside of Texarkana. The Arkansas Department of Corrections, Pine Bluff Unit, has notified law enforcement agencies throughout the state and surrounding areas that Timothy Buffington has escaped.
“We are continuing our search efforts and we will continue to search for him until we find him,” said ADC Public Information Officer Shea Wilson.
Buffington, who was 31 in 1998, shot his ex-wife, Rhonda Combs, 23, in the back of the head with a rifle while she sat in her boyfriend’s pickup outside of the Booneville city limits. Buffington shot his ex-wife after being involved in a custody battle over the couple’s two children.
Buffington, who may also go by “Bo Buffington” is now a 47-year-old white male, about 5 feet 6 inches tall, 182 pounds with a bald head. He has scars on his abdomen and his upper left arm.
Wilson said she has no idea why Buffington decided to escape after being such a model prisoner for so long. And not to mention that Buffington has already served 15 of his 20 years in prison.
“He had no disciplinary issues. No record of that. He is a trusty and has that type of status. So we’re not sure what prompted him to do this,” she said. “No idea. But right now, we’re just focused on getting him back.”
Buffington’s last known address is 192 First St. in Booneville, Ark. He was convicted of First Degree Murder in 1999. Anyone with information on him is urged to call their local law enforcement agency immediately.
