Hundreds of law enforcement officers — some on horseback, with bloodhounds or in boats — are searching Louisiana's rugged Tunica Hills for an escaped killer.

Assistant Warden Cathy Fontenot says bad weather Saturday kept helicopters from joining the hunt for 44-year-old Henry Smith, who walked off the Louisiana State Penitentiary's farm on Thursday.

Fontenot says investigators have a really good lead, but giving any details would jeopardize it.

She says "well over 200" people from 18 agencies are searching for Smith in the area about 45 miles northwest of Baton Rouge.

He is serving life for second-degree murder. Fontenot said he left the Angola prison one day before the anniversary of his mother's death, and is also mourning the recent death of a fellow inmate.

(This version CORRECTS APNewsNow. corrects that escape was day before mother's death anniversary. ADDS more detailed description of where search is taking place.)