$7,500 reward for escaped killer Kamron Taylor

KANKAKEE, Ill. (WLS) -- The reward for information leading to the arrest of convicted killer Kamron Taylor was increased to $7,500 on Friday. Taylor hasn't been seen since he escaped from the Kankakee County Jail on Wednesday.

Taylor, 23, is considered armed and dangerous.

On Friday morning, dozens of heavily-armed officers continued their search for Taylor, who was awaiting sentencing on murder charges. The FBI, U.S. Marshals and local investigators have been working around the clock for more than 48 hours to find Taylor.

Kankakee County Sheriff Tim Bukowski believes someone may be helping Taylor hide. Authorities said anyone helping him will be prosecuted.

"At this stage, you can't hide this long without somebody protecting you. Either they have taken him in someplace else or he's being hidden someplace in the community," Bukowski said.

Taylor attacked a guard during a cell check and beat him unconscious around 3 a.m. Wednesday. He stole the guard's uniform and car keys. He walked through three controlled doors to freedom. The guard's car was later found abandoned.

PHOTOS: Search for escaped murderer Kamron Taylor

"If he has help, he's probably gone. At first you lock your doors and make sure your keys are not in your car and hope he goes north," Ruth Kleineit said.

"Everyone's paying attention to it. It's kind of scary, really. But I think everyone is taking precautions," Jolene Foster said.

VICTIM'S FAMILY FEARS FOR THEIR SAFETY

Taylor was waiting to be sentenced in the 2013 murder of Nelson Williams Jr. Williams was killed during a botched robbery.

In February, Williams' family came face-to-face with Taylor, who exploded in anger in the courtroom. "I'm going to get all of you," he shouted.

Now, members of the Williams family is worried about their safety.

"It was a shock to me. I didn't want to believe it. But when I saw it on the news, I was like, 'Wow, how can that happen?' I talked to detectives Monday. They said they were going to put another murder on him. Then Wednesday, he was gone," said Nelson Williams Sr., the victim's father.

Anyone who sees Taylor should not approach him. Instead, call 911 immediately.

Anyone with information about Taylor's whereabouts should contact CrimeStoppers at 815-93-CRIME (815-932-7463).