Murder suspect escapes during fireworks display

EMINENCE, Mo. -- A Southeast Missouri man awaiting trial for his wife's death is on the loose after escaping custody while watching a fireworks display.

KYTV-TV reported 32-year-old Jason McClurg was with nine other inmates outside the Shannon County jail on Friday night when he broke free.

A woman who answered the phone at the sheriff's office late Saturday afternoon said McClurg had not been taken into custody.

The Winona, Missouri, man was charged in May with first-degree murder for the death of his wife, Stephanie McClurg.

Police said McClurg tried to kill his wife by mixing a prescription medicine with Kool-Aid, but it didn't work, so he tried again the next day and succeeded.

McClurg is scheduled to appear in court Aug. 7 for a preliminary hearing on the murder charge.

------

Information from: KYTV-TV, http://www.ky3.com