Inmate jailed on suspicion of murder escapes from Orange County juvenile hall

UPDATE: 15-year-old escaped inmate accused of killing his mom back in police custody

A search was underway Friday morning after an inmate escaped from juvenile hall in Orange County.

According to the Orange County Sheriff's Department, Ike Souzer, 15, escaped from the Orange County Juvenile Center around 12:11 a.m. During a press conference Friday morning, authorities said the teen had escaped from his housing at the facility and climbed over a fence to escape. Officials discovered that the teen had escaped while doing a room count at the facility.

Souzer has been in custody since 2017 on suspicion of murder, deputies said.

Due to the severity of his charge, authorities chose to release his name and photograph, despite his juvenile status. However, authorities said that they could not release additional information on the case Souzer was involved in because it is still active and currently in the hands of the District Attorney's office.

Souzer is described as a white male, approximately 6-feet tall and weighing approximately 200 pounds. He was last seen wearing a white shirt and red pants. Authorities believe he may have a laceration to his left leg.

According to officials with the juvenile detention facility, Souzer is the first inmate to have escaped the facility in more than two decades.

The Orange County Sheriff's Department is coordinating with the Orange County Probation Department to apprehend the juvenile suspect. More than 60 law enforcement personnel are aiding in the search.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Orange County Sheriff's Department at 714-647-7000.