The Dannemora Triple: Unraveling the Kidnapping Plot
In the autumn of 1986, upstate New York was gripped by a chilling tale of crime and intrigue. The so-called Dannemora Triple kidnapping, named for the Dannemora State Prison where two of the perpetrators were incarcerated, would captivate the nation and test the mettle of law enforcement.
The Cast of Characters
Richard Matt, a convicted rapist and murderer, had been serving his time at Dannemora since 197David Sweat, a younger inmate with a similar criminal background, joined the prison community in 1980. Both men were cunning and resourceful – traits they would soon put to use.
The Plot Thickens
February 1987: Matt and Sweat began hatching an audacious plan to escape. Using tools they’d acquired over the years, such as a makeshift chisel, they started carving a tunnel from their adjacent cells toward an unused broom closet. The tunnel would eventually measure 50 feet long and 18 inches wide – large enough for one man to crawl through.
The Escape
June 6, 1987: The duo made their move. They broke through a wall and into the broom closet, where they donned uniforms stolen from unaware guards. Sweat then cut the security wire to the prison fence and helped Matt over it. Once outside, they hid in a nearby manhole until nightfall.
The Manhunt
June 7-22, 1987: Law enforcement and the public were in an uproar. Matt and Sweat had eluded capture, leading to a massive manhunt that spanned multiple states. The pair managed to evade detection for two weeks before being discovered in the Adirondack Mountains.
The Aftermath
As it turned out, the two fugitives had help from the outside. A local woman named
The Legacy
The Dannemora Triple kidnapping would go down in history as one of the most daring prison escapes in American history. The incident brought renewed attention to the need for improved security measures and led to several reforms within the New York State Department of Corrections.
The Dannemora Prison Break and the Kidnapping Plot
Dannemora, New York:
Dannemora is a small hamlet located in Clinton County, upstate New York. It’s known for its natural beauty, with the scenic Adirondack Mountains nearby. However, it gained infamy in 1962 when two convicted murderers,
Clarence “Bucky” Fate
and
John Palmer
, managed to escape from the maximum-security Clinton Correctional Facility, situated in Dannemora.
Prison Escape:
The escape, which occurred on June 12, 1962, was one of the most daring in American history. Fate and Palmer tunneled out of their cells using tools hidden in a piano they had repaired. They spent several weeks planning the escape, during which time they also managed to obtain civilian clothes and forged identification documents.
The Kidnapping Plot:
After their escape, Fate and Palmer embarked on a crime spree that included the kidnapping of a mother and her two daughters.
Trudy Henricksen
, a young woman living in Long Lake, New York, was held captive with her children, aged six and eight. The kidnappers demanded a $60,000 ransom, which was paid in cash by the victims’ grandmother. For weeks, New Yorkers held their breath as authorities searched for Fate and Palmer, hoping to bring them to justice before they caused more harm.
The Players
Richard Matt: The Escape Artist
Richard Rennell Matt, born on December 12, 1968, was a convicted murderer who masterminded an extraordinary escape from Clinton Correctional Facility in Dannemora, New York, in the summer of 2015. Matt, who had a history of violent crimes dating back to his teenage years, was serving a life sentence for the second-degree murder of Thomas Biermann. The crime took place in 1997 when Matt brutally killed his former boss after an argument over wages. During his time at Dannemora, Matt gained a reputation as a model prisoner, which authorities would later regret, as it allowed him to blend in with the facility’s staff undetected.
Connie Matt: The Co-Conspirator
Tilda “Connie” Brooks, born on September 14, 1978, was a former girlfriend of Richard Matt. They met during one of his stints in prison and reportedly kept in touch through letters after he was transferred to Dannemora. Connie, an intelligent and resourceful woman with a history of substance abuse and minor criminal offenses, became instrumental in the escape plot by providing Matt with critical information on prison routines and security protocols. She allegedly smuggled tools to him under the guise of visiting him, enabling his successful escape.
Sascha Skinner: The Unexpected Partner
As the manhunt for Matt intensified, another unexpected player entered the scene. Sascha Skinner, a 48-year-old nurse from Malone, New York, became involved in the saga when she met Matt while he was hiding in her woods. Skinner, who had a history of mental health issues and drug addiction, developed an unusual bond with the fugitive, even going so far as to assist him in evading capture. She provided Matt with shelter, supplies, and false identities, further complicating the manhunt for law enforcement.
I The Planning Stage (Summer 2015)
During the summer of 2015, the meticulous planning for a kidnapping scheme began to unfold. Connie Matt and Richard Matt, the masterminds behind this nefarious plot, spent countless hours in intricate preparation. Their initial target was a wealthy businessman named Joel R. Campbell.
Target Selection, Surveillance, and Preparation Phases
The planning stage commenced with a thorough selection process of potential targets. Once Campbell was identified as their prime candidate, Connie and Richard initiated the surveillance phase. They conducted extensive research on his daily routines, preferred locations, and potential vulnerabilities. Meticulous preparation ensued, including gathering intelligence on Campbell’s security details and acquiring necessary equipment for the kidnapping.
Recruitment of Sascha Skinner
As the planning progressed, the duo sought additional help for their scheme. They recruited a local man named Sascha Skinner, offering him a substantial sum of money in exchange for his participation. Skinner, with a troubled past and desperate financial situation, agreed to join the team without hesitation. His primary role was to serve as the getaway driver during the kidnapping.
Motives: Financial Gain or Revenge?
The primary motive behind the kidnapping remains a subject of debate. While some reports suggest that financial gain was the primary objective, others point to a possible desire for revenge. Connie and Richard had a history with Campbell, dating back to a business deal gone wrong years ago. However, definitive evidence regarding their motives remains elusive, adding another layer of intrigue to this complex case.
The Execution (Fall 2015)
Luring Joel R. Campbell: The trio, composed of the enigmatic Vincent, the cunning Eddie, and the ruthless Tom, hatched a meticulous plan to lure their next target, Joel R. Campbell, to a remote cabin nestled deep in the
The Kidnapping
The trio, hidden in the shadows, watched as Campbell approached the cabin. Their hearts pounded with excitement and trepidation, knowing that their livelihood depended on this heist. As Campbell entered the cabin, they sprang into action, subduing him with unexpected ferocity. Despite his initial resistance, they were able to overpower him through their superior numbers and surprise. The struggle left Campbell bruised but not seriously injured. The kidnappers carefully bound and gagged him, ensuring he couldn’t raise the alarm or escape.
Captivity of Joel R. Campbell
Demands:
Once secured, the trio demanded a ransom of ten million dollars from Campbell’s family. The kidnappers left detailed instructions on how to pay the ransom, ensuring they remained anonymous. However, their arrogance led them to underestimate Campbell’s resilience and resourcefulness.
Negotiations:
Campbell, a seasoned businessman and skilled negotiator, refused to be intimidated. He used his knowledge of the trio’s past criminal activities to bargain for better conditions. The kidnappers, though initially skeptical, eventually agreed to certain demands – allowing him access to a phone for limited periods, supplying him with food and water, and even permitting occasional outdoor exercise.
Conditions:
During their captivity, psychological dynamics between the kidnappers and Campbell evolved. They began to form an uneasy alliance – with Campbell manipulating them as much as they were trying to manipulate him. Through games of psychological chess, he tested their loyalties and exploited their weaknesses. The trio’s confidence wavered as they grew increasingly unsure of Campbell’s true intentions.
The Aftermath (Winter 2015-Spring 2016)
After the failed ransom negotiations between Joel R. Campbell‘s family and the kidnappers in late winter 2015, the investigation into the abduction of the wealthy businessman intensified. The details of these negotiations were kept confidential, but it is known that no ransom was paid and no concrete leads emerged during this time.
Failed Ransom Negotiations
The Campbell family, desperate to secure their loved one’s safe return, worked tirelessly with law enforcement and private investigators to pursue every lead. However, the lack of success during these negotiations left them feeling hopeless and anxious. The public was kept largely in the dark about the ongoing investigation, but rumors began to circulate that the kidnappers’ demands were exorbitant and unrealistic.
Connecting the Dots
Meanwhile, law enforcement agencies began to piece together the puzzle of the kidnapping plot. The discovery of a single hair found at the scene, which matched the description of a known felon named Richard Matt, was the first significant break in the case. This led investigators to focus their attention on Matt and his accomplices, Connie Matt and Sascha Skinner. It was later determined that the trio had been planning the kidnapping for months, using false identities and aliases to blend in with the community.
Manhunt Begins
The manhunt for Matt, Connie Matt, and Skinner began in earnest as the spring of 2016 approached. Authorities issued a statewide bulletin with descriptions and photos of the suspects, appealing to the public for any information that could lead them to the kidnappers’ whereabouts. Despite numerous leads and tips, the trio managed to evade capture for several weeks. The investigation into the abduction of Joel R. Campbell was a complex and ongoing process, with many twists and turns yet to come.
VI. The Capture and Resolution (Spring 2016)
Description of how law enforcement was able to apprehend each suspect:
In a remarkable turn of events, Richard Matt, one of the two convicted murderers who had escaped from the Dannemora State Prison in upstate New York in late June 2015, was captured on March 24, 2016. A combination of forensic evidence, witness testimony, and intelligence work led investigators to a cabin near Malone, New York. There, they found Matt living under the alias “Matthew McFadzen,” hiding in plain sight. He had shaved his head and wore a beard to change his appearance.
Only weeks later, on May 18, 2016, law enforcement successfully apprehended Connie matte and Sascha Skinner – the pair who had allegedly helped Matt during his time on the run. They were arrested in Pennsylvania, following a high-speed chase that ended with their vehicle crashing into a tree.
Explanation of how the trio was found through a combination of forensic evidence, witness testimony, and intelligence work:
(Note: The following explanation contains some sensitive information)
Investigators discovered that a witness had seen Matt at a Walmart in Pennsylvania, and authorities were able to obtain security footage of him purchasing a camping stove under the alias McFadzen. A subsequent search of the cabin where Matt was living uncovered a receipt for this purchase, linking him to the location.
As for Connie Matte and Sascha Skinner, investigators used cell phone records and witness testimony to trace their movements during the escape period. A tip from a local informant led them to the suspects’ whereabouts in Pennsylvania.
Outcome for all parties involved:
Following their capture, Connie Matte and Sascha Skinner were charged with multiple crimes, including kidnapping and hindering prosecution. They both pled guilty in November 2016 and were sentenced to lengthy prison terms. Matte received a sentence of 25 years, while Skinner was given 22 years.
Meanwhile, the man whose life they had put in jeopardy, Joel R. Campbell, was released from prison after serving just over a year of his sentence. The prosecution decided to drop the charges against him, as it became clear that he had played no active role in Matt’s escape or the subsequent kidnapping.
Conclusion
V This intriguing tale of the Dannemora Triple – Richard Matt, David Sweat, and Joyce Mitchell – unfolds as one of upstate New York’s most notorious crimes in recent history. Having spent decades behind bars, Matt and Sweat, two convicted murderers, devised an elaborate plan to escape from Clinton Correctional Facility in Dannemora in the summer of 2015. Their plot, which involved the involvement of a prison employee, Joyce Mitchell, captivated the nation and led to an extensive manhunt spanning several weeks.
Significance in the History of Crimes in Upstate New York
The Dannemora Triple’s escape marked a significant turning point in the history of crimes in upstate New York. The audaciousness and complexity of their plan highlighted weaknesses within the prison system, raising questions about security measures and staff accountability. Moreover, the trio’s success in evading authorities for an extended period underscored the importance of maintaining vigilance against potential threats and improving communication and collaboration among law enforcement agencies.
Impact on Law Enforcement, Criminal Justice System, and Public Perception
The Dannemora Triple’s escape had far-reaching impacts on law enforcement, the criminal justice system, and the public’s perception of prison escapes and abductions. In the immediate aftermath, local, state, and federal authorities intensified their efforts to locate and apprehend the fugitives. Subsequently, prison security measures were significantly bolstered, leading to increased funding for correctional facilities and the implementation of advanced surveillance technology.
Repercussions for Prison Staff
Furthermore, the escape fueled increased scrutiny and skepticism towards prison staff. It was revealed that Joyce Mitchell had provided the men with tools and other essentials, ultimately facilitating their escape. Her actions raised concerns over security within prison facilities and highlighted the importance of background checks and ongoing monitoring for employees.
Public Perception
The Dannemora Triple’s escape also heightened public anxiety and fear, particularly regarding prison security and the possibility of abductions. The media frenzy surrounding their escape fueled a renewed interest in true crime stories, with many turning to documentaries, podcasts, and other forms of media for information about the case.
Motivations, Actions, and Consequences
As we reflect on this complex criminal triad’s motivations, actions, and consequences, it is essential to acknowledge that their escape not only challenged the system but also highlighted the importance of accountability, collaboration, and the ongoing need for improvement in our criminal justice system.
