Kevin Gurruwiwi: NT Police arrest prison escapee after 90 hours on the run

A man whose alleged prison break led to a 90 hour manhunt across the Top End has been recaptured after he was spotted waiting for a bus.

Kevin Gurruwiwi (Yunupingu) was recaptured 90 hours after absconding from a facility on Willard Road, Howard Springs on March 11, 2025.

Latest - Saturday March 15: A man whose alleged prison break led to a 90 hour manhunt across the Top End has been recaptured after he was spotted waiting for a bus.

On Saturday afternoon NT Police confirmed 21-year-old Kevin Gurruwiwi, also known as Kevin Yunupingu, had been recaptured — three days after he broke out of a window at the Forensic Disability Cottages at Darwin Correctional Centre.

Police said the escapee was arrested without incident after he was seen on a public bus in the Malak area.

The cottages are a specialised facility for prisoners with disabilities, designed to reintegrate them back into the community.

Corrections reported the man allegedly escaped from the facility on Willard Rd, Howard Springs about 10.20pm on Tuesday, and his electronic monitoring device was allegedly cut off 16 km away at Catalina Rd and Flockhart Dr in Marlows Lagoon.

Despite a history of violent offences, Police said the Gurruwiwi did not posed a risk to the general public.

Prison escapees violent history revealed as cops say no concern for safety

INITIAL - Wednesday March 12: The violent history of a man who escaped custody in the Top End has been revealed – after police said they do not believe the man posed a risk to the public.

NT Police are on the hunt for the 21-year-old man who they warned may be armed.

It is also reported that he has a history of violent offending.

On top of his serious violent criminal history, it is reported that he also has a psychotic disorder, foetal alcohol syndrome disorder and ADHD.

NT Police said Kevin Gurruwiwi, who also goes by the name of Kevin Yunupingu, escaped through a window from the Forensic Disability Cottages at Darwin Correctional Centre.

Territory Corrections reported the man allegedly escaped from the facility on Willard Rd, Howard Springs about 10.20pm on Tuesday.

He was last sighted during a routine bed check about 7pm.

Later that night his electronic monitoring device alerted corrections staff that it had been removed 16 km away on Catalina Rd and Flockhart Dr in the Palmerston suburb of Marlows Lagoon.

Additional police resources have been sent to the area as investigations continue.

While police said they don’t believe he posed a risk to the general public, they also advised members of the community to not approach him.

Police urge anyone with information to contact police on 131 444, quoting reference number P25068454, or to report anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Originally published as Kevin Gurruwiwi: NT Police arrest prison escapee after 90 hours on the run