Joyce Mitchell’s Husband Allegedly In On Plot To Help Prisoners Escape

Joyce Mitchell’s husband could have also been involved in helping two escaped prisoners breach the maximum security prison in New York, police says.

The New York Daily News says a State Police document obtained by the Albany Times-Union revealed Friday that Joyce Mitchell’s husband may have assisted Richard Matt and David Sweat escape the Clinton Correctional Facility in Dannemora, New York. Mitchell confessed to falling in love with Matt, who investigators believe charmed her to suit his plans.

In another shocking turn of events, Joyce Mitchell’s husband, Lyle, is now reportedly said to have been in on the plot to let the convicted prisoners escape this past Saturday. An intense nationwide manhunt is underway for the two dangerous career criminals following reports that the pair may have been spotted near Saranac Lake, New York.

Investigators realized Joyce Mitchell was involved in the plot to help the escaped convicts almost immediately. Mitchell was in daily contact with the criminals in her workshop, where they sewed uniforms together.

According to the Albany paper, the woman was previously investigated by the Inspector General’s office after a co-worker complained she was getting too cozy with Matt. Information that Joyce Mitchell’s husband is also involved in the plot is the latest twist in the case which has grabbed the public’s attention.

Joyce Mitchell told investigators Matt made her feel “special,” CNN reports. Both husband and wife have not been charged at this point and are cooperating with police.

County District Attorney Andrew Wylie confirmed Friday that Joyce Mitchell gave the dangerous pair “contraband” and confessed to providing some “form of equipment or tools,” such as hacksaws, blades, and drill bits. This allowed the escaped convicts to get into the bottom of the prison and crawl their way out of the building.

Authorities don’t know where they got the rest of the tools. However, Joyce Mitchell confessed that she was to be the getaway driver but backed out at the last minute, leaving them to fend for themselves. On Saturday, the day Matt and Sweat were discovered missing, she was rushed to the hospital with what her son described was a panic attack.

Investigators tracking the escaped prisoners are focusing on a Mobil gas station in Dannemora, with the scent followed east to Cadyville, Clinton County District Attorney Andrew Wylie said, ABC reports. Wylie added the gas station has a Subway restaurant inside, and the pair may have been looking for food. So far, there have been no sightings of Matt and Sweat, but police believe they are following a hot trail.

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