Vermont Public is independent, community-supported media, serving Vermont with trusted, relevant and essential information. We share stories that bring people together, from every corner of our region. New to Vermont Public? Start here.

© 2024 Vermont Public | 365 Troy Ave. Colchester, VT 05446

Public Files:
WVTI · WOXM · WVBA · WVNK · WVTQ · WVTX
WVPR · WRVT · WOXR · WNCH · WVPA
WVPS · WVXR · WETK · WVTB · WVER
WVER-FM · WVLR-FM · WBTN-FM

For assistance accessing our public files, please contact hello@vermontpublic.org or call 802-655-9451.
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

New York DA Confirms Dannemora Murder Plot

Mark Lennihan
/
AP
Clinton County District Attorney Andrew Wylie discusses the escape of two prisoners during a news conference in Plattsburgh, N.Y. on June 17.

A New York district attorney says the woman charged with helping two murderers escape from a maximum-security prison had discussed with them a murder-for-hire plot targeting her husband.
Clinton County District Attorney Andrew Wylie said Wednesday at a news conference that Joyce Mitchell talked to inmates Richard Matt and David Sweat about killing her husband, Lyle.

"There was a plot to kill Lyle Mitchell between the two inmates," said Wylie. "Joyce Mitchell was aware of it."

Prosecutors have said Joyce Mitchell agreed to be the inmates' getaway driver but backed out because she still loved her husband and felt guilty for participating.

Both Joyce Mitchell and Lyle Mitchell work at the Clinton Correctional Facility in Dannemora.

Meanwhile, Major Charles Guess of the New York State Police says officials are expanding the manhunt for the two men to other areas around Dannemora.

"Personnel are being re-deployed to other areas based on information gathered during the investigation," said Guess. "People in the region should expect to see law enforcement in their community as the search expands."

Officials continue to say they are confident the two inmates will be caught, but did not comment on details of the investigation.

Annie Russell was VPR's Deputy News Director. She came to VPR from NPR's Weekends on All Things Considered and WNYC's On The Media. She is a graduate of Columbia Journalism School.
Latest Stories