Murder Suspect Rocco Jesse Zuccaro Escapes from Custody in West Virginia

iStock/Thinkstock(WESTON, W.Va.) — A murder suspect escaped from custody while undergoing a mental evaluation in West Virginia, authorities said.

Rocco Jesse Zuccaro, 30, scaled a wall at William R. Sharpe Jr. Hospital in Weston at about 4:20 p.m. Monday, according to a West Virginia State Police news release.

The Burgettstown, Pennsylvania, native is accused of fatally shooting Jason Pratz in McKinleyville, West Virginia, in February 2013.

Zuccaro, a white male, is 6 feet tall and 170 pounds. At the time of his escape, he was wearing black pants with a rip on the left pant leg, a dark blue or black pullover shirt and glasses. He has dark hair and a mustache.

Authorities say the public should not approach Zuccaro, but instead should contact authorities if they encounter him. He had previously pleaded not guilty.

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