Murder Suspects, Blane and Susan Barksdale were being transported from Utah to Pima County, Arizona on August 26, 2019 when they overpowered two security officers just before 8:00 p.m. The Barksdale made the officers stop on Highway 191, approximately 20 minutes north of St. Johns, Arizona. The fugitives then fled on foot with the intention of stealing a car. Blane was wearing black cargo pants and a white shirt. Susan was wearing black pajama pants and a white shirt.
The Barksdales are reportedly traveling in a red GMC Sierra pickup that has passenger side front damage, rear bumper damage, and a black diamond sticker on the back window. The truck bears an Arizona license plate 127XTY.
The Barksdales should be considered dangerous, even though they did not possess any weapons at the time of their escape. Blane Barksdale was affiliated with the Aryan Brotherhood, the Hell’s Angels OMG, and has ties to Mexican organized crime and cartel subjects. Blane has numerous tattoos on his arms and hands, including swastika, Aryan Brotherhood, and “Peckerwood” tattoos. Blane apparently knows he’s going back to prison for life and had reportedly discussed ‘shooting it out’ with law enforcement.
Susan Barksdale has extensive training and experience with various firearms. The Tucson homicide victim possibly had more than 100 firearms stolen from his residence. Most of the stolen firearms are still unaccounted for and may be in northern Arizona.
The Barksdale’s direction of travel is currently unknown. They own property in Vernon, Arizona, which is just outside of Show Low. They may have associates in Springerville as well as Tucson. After the Tucson homicide, the Barksdale’s may have hidden at a ranch outside of Benson, Arizona. They may have also fled temporarily into Mexico.
Questions, comments or information regarding this should be directed to intelligence@azdps.gov or 602-644-5805
