Blane and Susan Barksdale
Police: Couple facing murder charges escape
02:06 - Source: CNN
CNN  — 

A married couple wanted for murder escaped custody in southern Utah by faking a medical emergency, according to the US Marshals Service.

Blane Barksdale, 56, and Susan Barksdale, 59, managed the escape as they were being extradited from Henrietta, New York, to Pima County, Arizona, the Tucson Police Department said.

They were being moved to face charges in connection with the death of Frank Bligh, a 72-year-old who was killed in April in Tucson, Arizona.

The investigation into the couple began in April when police responded to a fire that led to an explosion at Bligh’s home. But he and his vehicle were nowhere to be found, and investigators discovered evidence the fire was set intentionally, and that Bligh had been killed, Tucson police said.

On May 1, an arrest warrant was issued for the Barksdales on charges including first-degree murder, first-degree burglary, arson and auto theft, police said.

But the Barksdales had fled the state, sparking a nationwide search. They were found in Henrietta, New York, a suburb of Rochester, and arrested without incident on May 24.

At the time, the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office praised the “incredible, diligent police work” that led to their capture.

“This is another example of the excellent cooperation between local law enforcement and our federal partners,” Monroe County Undersheriff Korey K. Brown and US Marshal Charles Salina said then in a statement. “Two dangerous, violent individuals were taken off the streets and will face justice.”

On Tuesday, Tucson Police said the couple’s direction of travel is unknown, but investigators have information that they are possibly traveling through Arizona.

They were last seen driving a red GMC Sierra pickup with damage to the front passenger side and rear bumper, police said. Blane Barksdale has tattoos on his arms and hands.

The couple is believed to be armed and dangerous, police said. The FBI, US Marshals and Apache County Sheriff’s Office are also assisting in the investigation.

CNN was not able to identify an attorney for the couple.

CNN’s Konstantin Toropin contributed to this report.