CADYVILLE, N.Y. -- It's day 18 of the search for escaped inmates David Sweat and Richard Matt. Authorities are once again focusing the search back in the North Country, with what could be their biggest lead yet.
The search has most recently focused around the remote hamlets of Owls Head and Mountain View after state police say they discovered evidence that the two convicted killers spent time in a seasonal cabin. That area in Franklin County is about 20 miles west of Clinton Correctional were the men escaped more than two weeks ago.
Troopers say the items have been sent to laboratories for DNA and other testing.
Meanwhile, Governor Cuomo says there have been numerous leads and law enforcement officials are following each of them as if it's the one that will help find them.
"We're pursuing everything as vigorously as we can. I believe that we will get these guys; we need to get these guys. It's been a tremendous effort by a lot of dedicated people. I applaud the state police, the local DA, the local police. It's been an amazing cooperative effort, and we won't stop until we get them," said Cuomo.
Troopers also confirmed that Allegany County in New York's Southern Tier has been declared "clear," after a two-day search there over the weekend.