There were new developments Monday afternoon in the massive manhunt for two killers who escaped from an upstate New York prison more than two weeks ago. New York State Police announced they've found items in a seasonal hunting cabin that could be connected to the inmates, David Sweat and Richard Matt.
Major Charles Guess wouldn't say exactly what they found, but he says the evidence is now undergoing DNA and other testing.
“It’s a confirmed lead for us,” Guess said. “It has generated a massive law enforcement response, as you can see. And we’re going to run this to ground.”
The cabin is near Owls Head, New York, about 20 miles west of the maximum-security Clinton Correctional Facility.
Meanwhile, Guess also confirmed a correctional officer at the prison has been taken off the job in connection with the escape.
“He is on administrative leave. He is part of the ongoing investigation, and I will not comment on how productive or fruitful that investigation has been regarding that particular CO,” Guess said.
A prison tailor has already been charged with helping the inmates break out.
Guess says that law enforcement have no evidence the convicted murderers are getting any more help on the outside, but he says he isn't ruling that out.
Vermont State Police have now sent a tactical team to join the manhunt.
North Country Public Radio is following this story closely. See its full coverage here.
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