Ep 4. Escape from Dannemora Part 2: Where's the Getaway Car?

Escape from Dannemora was a daring prison break that made headlines in 2015 when two convicted murderers, Richard Matt and David Sweat, escaped from the Clinton Correctional Facility in upstate New York with the help of a prison worker named Joyce Mitchell. The story captivated the nation for weeks as law enforcement officials launched one of the most extensive manhunts in New York State history. How It Really Happened takes a closer look at this gripping true crime story in season 6 episode 4, Escape from Dannemora Part 2: Where's the Getaway Car?.

In the second part of the series, viewers will follow the hunt for the two escaped prisoners as they navigate through the dense forests of the Adirondacks. The search team, consisting of over 1,000 officers and law enforcement agents, use every tool at their disposal to track down the fugitives. Helicopters, K-9 units, and thermal imaging cameras are all deployed to catch Matt and Sweat before they can cross the Canadian border and disappear.

The episode also delves into the twisted love triangle that led Joyce Mitchell to cooperate with Matt and Sweat. Mitchell, a married grandmother and a seamstress at the prison, had a sexual relationship with Richard Matt and agreed to help him and Sweat escape in exchange for their promises to kill her husband. Viewers will hear from people who knew Mitchell and learn about her motivations for joining in the scheme.

As the manhunt drags on, tensions rise not only between law enforcement and the fugitives but also among the search team members. The episode explores the challenges they faced and the mistakes that were made during the search, including the failure to identify a crucial piece of evidence - a car belonging to one of the escapees that was parked near the prison.

Finally, the moment of truth arrives when Sweat is caught, and Matt is discovered dead in the woods, ending his 23-day run from justice. The episode examines the aftermath of the manhunt, including the consequences for those involved and the lessons learned from this harrowing experience.

Overall, Escape from Dannemora Part 2: Where's the Getaway Car? is a gripping and thought-provoking installment of How It Really Happened, offering a detailed look at one of the most high-profile prison escapes in recent memory. Viewers will be on the edge of their seats as they follow the manhunt and the search for answers to the questions that kept the nation riveted.