DNA SAMPLES from two convicted killers who escaped from a maximum-security prison 18 days ago have been reportedly found in a remote hunting cabin.
A potential sighting near a camping area in northern New York state reignited the search for David Sweat, 34, and Richard Matt, 48, and terrified an isolated community.
A figure was seen running through the woods near the secluded village of Owl’s Head shortly after a hunting cabin was burgled. Owl’s Head is 20 miles west of the Clinton Correctional Facility, from which Matt and Sweat, who were both serving life sentences for vicious murders, escaped.
Local authorities suspected that the figure seen may be one of the escaped killers, who have thus far managed to elude a massive manhunt that is now into its third week. DNA evidence confirmed that the men were hiding out in the area, according to US media reports.
Charles Guess, of the New York State Police, said “specific items” removed from a cabin had been “conclusively” linked to Matt and Sweat. He would not confirm that DNA evidence was found.
“This is a confirmed lead for us,” Mr Guess said. “It has generated a massive law enforcement response as you can see and we’re going to run this to ground.”
A man returning to his cabin discovered bloody socks, boots, a jar of peanut butter and a jug of water, according to the Plattsburgh Press-Republican newspaper. The items are believed to have been left by Matt and Sweat.
Residents were told to stay inside with their doors locked. Many have kept guns close by as police helicopters buzz overheard. People camping in the area were instructed to “call 911 immediately” if they find “anything out of place” at their campsite. Locals said many cabins remain empty most of the year. The remoteness of the hunting camp, as well as the availability of canned food and other necessities in the cabins, makes it an appealing hideout.
Mr Guess said Matt and Sweat may have selected the location after conducting research in prison, or collaborating with someone with knowledge of the area. The only suspect in custody is Joyce Mitchell, the prison seamstress, who has admitted to a sexual relationship with Matt, and is accused of smuggling in tools to aid in the inmates’ escape.
A second prison employee has been questioned in connection with the escape. Gene Palmer was placed on administrative leave and police vehicles were outside his home over the weekend. Andrew Brockway, Mr Palmer’s lawyer, denied his client had any involvement.
“I can 100 per cent confirm that he did not know these two people were planning to break out of the prison,” he said. “They are master manipulators. They are obviously in prison for life so they have nothing but time to take advantage of innocent people.”
It emerged yesterday that the tools Matt and Sweat used to escape may have been smuggled into the prison inside frozen hamburger meat.
While the lead in Owl’s Head appears the most substantial to date, the hunt has taken a number of twists and turns. Most recently, officers swooped on Friendship, New York, after reports of two men matching the escapees’ descriptions.