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Authorities say David Sweat, 35, and Richard W. Matt, 49, could be anywhere in the state after using power tools to cut through a steel wall and using tunnels to escape.
Without the use of tracking devices, such as cellphones, cars and credit cards, the men have so far eluded police, reports the New York Times.
Gov. Andrew Cuomo stated Monday morning that the inmates may have had help from someone with access to the prison, according to the Times.
An employee at the Clinton Correctional Facility is currently being questioned about her possible involvement in the escape, reports CNN.
Cuomo announced a reward on Sunday of $100,000 for information leading to the men's arrests. Cuomo said the offer of $50,000 for each man was an unusual action for the state, but "appropriate," as previously reported by Daily Voice.
Matt is serving a sentence of 25 years to life following his conviction in Niagara County after he kidnapped and beat a male victim to death Dec. 3, 1997.
Sweat is serving a life sentence without parole following his conviction in Broome County for one count of first-degree murder after he killed a Broome County Sheriff’s Deputy July 4, 2002.
The New York State Police, with the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS), the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), Forest Rangers, U.S. Marshals and the FBI are conducting grid searches to ensure a thorough search of the ground is completed, according to New York State Police.
More than 150 leads have developed since the escape was reported.
State Police currently have approximately 100 personnel, which includes uniform, investigative and specialty units on the ground actively searching and following leads. Several aircraft from state and federal agencies are also being used to search for the men.
State Police say the individuals are very dangerous, and ask that the public make no hesitation to report any suspicious activity. Contact 911, the local law enforcement agency or the New York State Police to report any information related to this investigation at (518) 563-3761 or 1-800-GIVETIP. Tips can also be sent by email to crimetip@troopers.ny.gov.
For a step-by-step look at how the prisoners escaped, check this photo series from the New York Times.
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