Georgia tip, fingerprints spell arrest for 37-year long prison escapee

LONDON, Ky. (WTVQ) – The Laurel Co. Sheriff says that a tip from law enforcement in Georgia led to the arrest of a man who escaped from prison 37 years ago.

According to the Sheriff, the information from Georgia revealed that Billy Burchfield, who escaped from prison in 1979 while serving a 16-year sentence for manslaughter, had traveled to Laurel Co. and assumed the name of “Harold Arnold” – his cousin, who had died.

With that information, deputies went to “Arnold’s” home on East Laurel Road around 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday and spoke to the man.  Deputies say “Arnold” agreed to fingerprinting to establish his identity.  Deputies say the fingerprints were submitted to Kentucky State Police technicians, and to the FBI for comparison to Burchfield’s fingerprints.  The Sheriff says both agencies confirmed a match to Billy Buchfield.

With the findings, 67-year old Harold Arnold was arrested under the name Billy Burchfield and taken to the Laurel Co. Detention Center, according to the Sheriff.

Law enforcement in Georgia have confirmed they will extradite Burchfield.