A Grimes County inmate who fled from Cypress Creek Behavioral Hospital in March has been punished for domestic abuse.
Scott Evan Shepple, 36, pleaded guilty Friday to a third-degree felony charge of assault/family violence by obstructing breath. He was sentenced to 35 years in jail as part of a plea deal. He must complete half of his sentence before becoming eligible for parole, according to the Grimes County District Attorney’s Office.
“Scott Shepple has a history of violence against women,” stated Grimes County Assistant District Attorney Tammy Thomas. “He has demonstrated that he is incapable of following the rules in or out of detention. Family abuse cases are very important to our entire staff. The only proper punishment in this case was a prolonged prison sentence.”
Authorities say the crime occurred on August 22, 2024, when Grimes County deputies responded to a home in Iola.
A woman told deputies that Shepple, her boyfriend, had battered and choked her before escaping in a car. She was able to present deputies with a security camera video of the incident.
Shepple was found on December 4 in Iola and asked about the alleged attack. According to authorities, Shepple admitted to the assault and resisted arrest when being taken into custody after the questioning.
He was indicted by a grand jury on December 16.
Shepple was brought to Cypress Creek Behavioral Hospital after attempting suicide in his cell at the Grimes County Jail on March 30.
The next day, Shepple was able to flee the institution, starting a 19-hour manhunt.
The following day, authorities apprehended Shepple at a motel at 249 and the North Freeway, where he was recaptured.
Two other individuals, Michael Garrett and Carl Banks, were arrested and charged with obstructing apprehension; however, the latter was also charged with possessing a controlled narcotic.