Search underway for murder suspect who walked away from prison work camp: Authorities

Authorities say a homicide suspect is wanted after fleeing an Idaho correctional facility after someone is believed to have tried to carjack it.

The Idaho Department of Corrections said Kevin Nicholas Kuintzle, 33, of Fremont County’s St. Anthony Lan is looking for a neighbor in the area.

Kuintzle was last seen at the minimum security facility around 8:00 p.m. local time on Thursday, the department said.

He has since been seen in Idaho Falls around noon Friday, authorities said.

The fugitive is believed to have been involved in an attempted carjacking and firearm theft in the city Friday afternoon, the Idaho Falls Police Department said.

The police department has warned that Kuintzle is “armed and dangerous and should not be approached”.

Quintzle faces a first-degree murder charge in Jerome County, according to the Idaho Department of Corrections. He is accused of shooting an 84-year-old man in the victim’s home in September 2023. In that case, his charges also include theft and destruction of evidence. His trial is scheduled for next year, according to court records.

His criminal record includes convictions for grand larceny in Ada County and for operating a vehicle without the owner’s consent in Canyon County, the Idaho Department of Corrections said. He was eligible for parole in April 2022 and his sentence would be completed in January 2030, he said.

Kuintzle is believed to be driving a silver and green single cab 1995 Dodge pickup with missing paint, according to the Fremont County Sheriff’s Office.

Authorities described him as 5 feet 11 inches tall, 180 pounds with blue eyes, a red beard and a bald head. He was last seen wearing khaki pants, a black coat and white sneakers, authorities said.

Anyone with information on Quintzle’s whereabouts is urged to call 911.