Bio

Michael A. Tisius was born on February 16, 1981. He grew up in Missouri. His early life was marked by various challenges, like many children. There is limited information about his childhood and upbringing, but like many people, he experienced the ups and downs of life as he grew older.

In early June 2000, Tisius was in the Randolph County Jail in Huntsville, Missouri, serving a 30-day sentence. While in jail, he was cellmates with a man named Roy Vance. Vance was serving a much longer sentence of approximately fifty years. During their time together, they shared ideas about escape plans. They discussed how Tisius could return to the jail to help Vance escape.

Tisius was released from jail on June 13, 2000. After his release, he got in touch with Vance's girlfriend, Tracie Bulington, to discuss the escape plan they had talked about. She agreed to help him in this mission.

Shortly after, Bulington picked up Tisius and drove him to her home. During this time, they discussed how to break Vance out of jail and even made several visits to the jail bringing items like cigarettes. They talked about the escape plans and indicated to each other that they were serious about it.

Tisius often expressed his desire to assist Vance in escaping. He seemed focused on the idea and was determined to act on it. Over the next few days, he tested a firearm and planned the methods they would use for the escape.

Murder Story

Michael A. Tisius and Roy Vance were cellmates at the Randolph County Jail in Huntsville, Missouri. In early June 2000, they discussed a plan for Tisius to help Vance escape. Tisius was released from jail on June 13, 2000, and soon contacted Vance's girlfriend, Tracie Bulington, to continue with the escape plan. They planned to bring a gun into the jail to force the guards into a cell and enable Vance to take charge.

Over several days leading up to the murders, Tisius and Bulington visited the jail multiple times, bringing cigarettes and other items for Vance. During these visits, Tisius carried a .22 caliber pistol that Bulington had stolen from her parents. After test-firing the gun outside her car, they spent the night of June 21 listening to a song with violent lyrics over and over as they prepared for the escape.

At around 12:15 a.m. on June 22, Tisius and Bulington returned to the jail. They rang the doorbell and were admitted by two officers, Leon Egley and Jason Acton, under the pretense of delivering cigarettes. After some small talk, Tisius drew the gun and shot Acton in the forehead, killing him instantly. Egley approached, and Tisius then shot him multiple times.

After the shootings, Tisius searched for keys to free Vance but failed to open the cell. He shot Egley again while the officer attempted to reach for help. Both officers were unarmed and suffered fatal injuries. Tisius and Bulington fled the scene in her car, discarding the gun and keys as they drove.

Later that day, the police apprehended Tisius and Bulington. Tisius confessed to the murders after waiving his rights. He was charged with two counts of first-degree murder, leading to his conviction and death sentence on October 1, 2001.