Francisco Paul Flattes dies in fatal Murphy shooting
Fatal Murphy shooting death of Francisco Paul Flattes
A correction officer was shot dead by an inmate who had escaped custody at a medical center in western North Carolina on Monday, authorities reported. The inmate subsequently drove away in a vehicle he had stolen before being apprehended in a nearby county.
The incident began when the inmate, identified as Kelvin Simmons, was transported to an orthopedic clinic in Murphy for medical care. A disturbance erupted during his transfer. Cherokee County Sheriff Dustin Smith stated that during this altercation, Simmons seized the officer’s weapon and fired a shot that proved fatal. The inmate then fled the premises by entering a vehicle that arrived at the facility at that time and drove off.
Sheriff Smith confirmed that Simmons was eventually captured in Macon County, located approximately an hour east of the initial scene. Smith mentioned that Simmons, who is 48 years old, faces charges including first-degree murder.
Deputies from Clay County notified Macon County officers about Simmons’ approach on U.S. Route 64. According to authorities, Simmons’ vehicle was intercepted, leading to a brief standoff that resulted in his detention without any additional injuries at that location.
Kelvin Simmons is already facing charges related to bank robbery and a previous escape that occurred in October 2024.
