Associated Press
ALBANY, N.Y. — A prison inmate shot and captured after three weeks on the run in northern New York remained hospitalized Friday while the body of his fellow escapee was handled in accordance with the wishes of his son.
Winthrop Allen, with the John O. Roth Funeral Home in Tonawanda, near Buffalo, said that the “final disposition” of Richard Matt’s body had taken place. Allen wouldn’t say if Matt was buried or cremated or offer any other details. He said no services have been planned for Matt and that the funeral home had acted upon the wishes of Matt’s son, Nicholas Harris.
Harris could not be reached for comment Friday.
Matt was shot and killed by a border patrol agent June 26, three weeks after he and David Sweat broke out of the maximum-security Clinton Correctional Facility. A tactical team member opened fire after Matt, lying behind a fallen tree, aimed a 20-gauge shotgun at the officer, according to officials.
Sweat was captured Sunday after being shot by a trooper as he fled through a field near the Canadian border. The pair had split days before.
Sweat remained in fair condition Friday at Albany Medical Center. It was not clear when or where he will be transferred.
Also Friday, New York State Police investigating the escape sought the public’s help in locating the owner of a backpack Sweat was carrying when he was captured.
Troopers say the red and black TYR brand backpack is believed to have been stolen from a camp in the heavily wooded region. Officials have said Sweat was carrying maps, tools, Pop Tarts and other items in the backpack.
Copyright 2015 The Associated Press