Prisoner Escapes From Jail By Drugging His Identical Twin Brother During A Routine Visit

An inmate at the Piedras Gordas prison in Peru managed to escape in January 2017 by drugging his twin brother during a visit. Alexander Delgado Herrera was just two years into his 16-year sentence at the time.

In a story that could have come straight out of a movie script, Alexander was in prison for burglary and child sexual abuse offenses when he decided to flee with an elaborate plan.

The inmate's twin brother, Giancarlo Stuard Delgado, attended the Piedras Gordas prison to pay his brother a routine visit. They met in the prison's common area before walking toward Alexander's cell together.

Alexander was seen offering Giancarlo a can of soda. Not long after consuming the drink, Giancarlo passed out and woke up surrounded by guards several hours later.

When Giancarlo explained what had happened to the authorities, they didn't believe him. They were convinced that Giancarlo was Alexander.

Considering Alexander had only served two of his 16 years at that time, Giancarlo faced the prospect of having to serve the remaining time. Fortunately for Giancarlo, the authorities took his fingerprints and compared them to Alexander's, confirming they did, in fact, have the wrong prisoner.

So, where did Alexander end up? Security cameras captured him strolling out of the prison and past six security checkpoints without a hitch.

As a result of Alexander's escape, several guards and the prison director were all fired for their negligence. Alexander was on the run for over a year before he was found and recaptured in the city of Callao.

In February 2018, the interior ministry of Peru stated, "Today there was the recapture of a violator who, on January 10, 2017, fled Piedras Gordas when he was supplanted by his brother. This relative was in detention in place of him, but today, Delgado Herrera has been arrested."

Alexander Delgado Herrera managed to escape from prison in January 2017 by drugging his twin brother during a visit.

Interior ministry of Peru

The inmate's twin brother, Giancarlo Stuard Delgado, attended the Piedras Gordas prison to pay his brother a routine visit on January 10, 2017.

CRIS BOURONCLE/AFP via Getty Images

Alexander was seen offering Giancarlo a can of soda. Not long after consuming the drink, Giancarlo passed out and woke up surrounded by guards several hours later.

When Giancarlo explained what had happened to the authorities, they didn't believe him. They were convinced that Giancarlo was Alexander.

Interior ministry of Peru

The Psychology of Deception

Dr. Paul Ekman, a renowned psychologist and expert on emotions and deception, emphasizes that individuals often underestimate the complexity of deceit, especially among family members.

His research suggests that twins, like Alexander and Giancarlo, may have an innate bond that complicates traditional notions of betrayal. Ekman notes, 'The emotional connection can lead to manipulated trust, making it easier to deceive.' Understanding these dynamics is crucial for both law enforcement and family members in preventing similar situations.

For families with complex dynamics, open discussions about boundaries can foster healthier relationships and reduce the likelihood of exploitation.

This incident underscores the need for improved security protocols in correctional facilities. Experts like Dr. Michael O'Connell, a security consultant, argue that physical security measures must be accompanied by psychological evaluations of inmates.

He advises that implementing regular mental health assessments can help identify potential manipulative behaviors. 'Inmates with close family ties may exploit these connections,' Dr. O'Connell suggests. By enhancing training for security personnel to recognize red flags, prisons could significantly mitigate escape risks. Overall, integrating psychological insights into security protocols creates a more comprehensive defense against similar incidents.

Alexander was on the run for over a year before he was found and recaptured in the city of Callao.

In February 2018, the interior ministry of Peru stated, "Today there was the recapture of a violator who, on January 10, 2017, fled Piedras Gordas when he was supplanted by his brother. This relative was in detention in place of him, but today, Delgado Herrera has been arrested."

El Commercio

So, what did Alexander have to say for himself? "I was desperate to see my mother," he said when asked about his escape.

We certainly hope his visit with his mother was worth it. What an epic story!

As always, we would love to hear your opinions on this. You can share your thoughts with us in the comment section.

Understanding the Deeper Patterns

The escape of Alexander Delgado Herrera highlights significant vulnerabilities within prison systems, particularly concerning family visits. Notably, research indicates that enhancing security measures alone isn't enough; understanding inmate psychology is key. As various studies suggest, fostering open communication and robust mental health evaluations can lead to safer environments and deter manipulative behaviors. By approaching these issues holistically, correctional facilities can better manage risks associated with familial bonds, ultimately contributing to a more secure correctional experience for all involved.