Cuomo described 48-year-old Richard Matt and 34-year-old David Sweat are "dangerous individuals" who used the power tools to cut through steel walls and escape from a maximum-security Clinton Correctional Facility in Dannemora.
Matt is a white male, 6-feet tall, 210 pounds, with black hair and hazel eyes, state police said. He has tattoos on back “Mexico Forever,” a heart on his chest and left shoulder, and a marine corps insignia on his right shoulder.
Sweat, also a white male, is 5-foot-11, 165 pounds, with brown hair and green eyes, according to state police. He has tattoos on his left bicep and his right fingers.
Matt is serving a sentence of 25 years to life following his conviction in Niagara County after he kidnapped a male victim and caused his death by beating him on Dec. 3, 1997.
Sweat is serving a sentence of life without parole following his conviction in Broome County for one count of first-degree murder after he caused the death of a Broome County Sheriff’s Deputy on July 4, 2002.
Both are considered to be a danger to the public. If located do not approach them, state police said. Contact 911 or the New York State Police immediately at 518-563-3761.
Cuomo canceled a scheduled visit to the Belmont Stakes horse race to meet with the police and prison officials.
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