Update – Feb. 12. 2025
Pamlico County Sheriff Chris Davis reported that John Nigh was arrested in Pamlico County around 4:30 p.m. on Feb. 11, 2025, according to WCTI 12’s video of a press conference that was held this morning.
Sheriff Davis said John Nigh was taken into custody after a citizen said they believed he was in an outbuilding on the property where his fiancé, Cameran Laughinghouse, lives.
He said she was arrested and charged with obstruction of justice and harboring a fugitive.
Laughinghouse said she didn’t know Nigh was there until law enforcement told her. She said she gave deputies a key to the barn, according to a video on her Facebook page.
A reporter asked Sheriff Davis about a selfie he posted on Facebook showing the arrest.
Davis said Nigh wanted everyone to know that he was safe.
The reporter asked if he had a response to “people who didn’t particularly like the selfie.”
He said, “That’s always gonna happen. There’s people who like it and others who won’t.”
Sheriff Hughes said John Nigh was charged with escape and is being held on a $1 million bond. He said he has a number of charges in Onslow County.
He said they are conducting an internal investigation to address issues with structural integrity of the county jail. He said Nigh is in solitary confinement.
Update – Jan. 29. 2025
Craven County, NC – Two suspects were charged on Wednesday after allegedly helping an inmate escape from the Craven County Detention Center on Jan. 26, according to the sheriff’s office.
A press release said John Matthew Nigh’s cellmates, Justin Matthew Axe of Havelock and Timothy Lee Carawan of New Bern, have been charged with felonious aiding and abetting escape, and conspiracy to aid and abet escape.
Nigh is still on the run.
Original story – Jan. 27, 2025
Law enforcement agencies are searching for an inmate who escaped from a jail in eastern North Carolina on Sunday afternoon, according to the sheriff’s office.
An inmate escaped from the Craven County Detention Center’s ventilation housing on Jan 26. 2025, the sheriff’s office said Monday.
A press release from Major David McFayden said detention officers noticed John Matthew Nigh was missing from his cell in at 4 p.m. on Jan. 26, 2025.
“A search determined that the inmate, assisted by his two cellmates had removed a ceiling grating, entered a utility ceiling chase, and exited the roof through a ventilation housing. The cellmates concealed his escape by stuffing a mattress, making it appear that he was sleeping in his cell. A statewide BOLO was issued for John Matthew Nigh to law enforcement agencies in North Carolina,” Mayor McFayden said.
“Craven County Investigations Bureau and Special Investigations Bureau Deputies responded and began the investigation and search. The U.S. Marshall’s Fugitive Task Force is also assisting,” he said.
“Nigh has been armed in past encounters with law enforcement officers and should be considered dangerous. Anyone having information about his whereabouts should call the Craven County Sheriff’s Office at 252 633 2357, their local law enforcement agency or 911,” McFayden said.
“Nigh is a white male, 6’2”. 190 lbs. with the tattoo “JMN” on his upper left arm, and a cross on his upper right arm,” he said.
Monday night, Sheriff Chip Hughes said all staff are working on the case and they are following up on a number of leads.
By Wendy Card, Editor. Send an email with questions or comments.