NY Escapees Did a Practice Run

Here's one reason David Sweat and Richard Matt managed to bust out of prison: practice. The newly captured Sweat has told state authorities that he and Matt did a practice run the night before the actual escape from the Clinton Correctional Facility, reports CNN. It's not clear how detailed that practice run was, but it will surely raise more questions about how the two were given such free rein. Sweat also revealed that the two men began sawing through the back walls of their cells about six months ago, reports the New York Times. And once out, they listened to radio reports about their escape, possibly in the cabins they plundered along the way, reports ABC News.

As the investigation continues, three top officials at the prison—the superintendent, the first deputy superintendent, and the deputy superintendent in charge of security—have been placed on leave, along with nine security staffers, reports the Albany Times Union. And, of course, two prison employees have been charged in the escape, including the woman who was allegedly supposed to drive them to Mexico. (More Richard Matt stories.)