The 2018 series has unexpectedly gained popularity on Netflix, but does Escape at Dannemora have roots in real events?
One of the best features of Netflix is the combination of fresh, original productions (like Monsters Season 2 and Woman of the Hour) and a treasure trove of overlooked classics.
Among the true crime dramas, the 2018 show Escape at Dannemora stands out. With performances from Patricia Arquette and Paul Dano, it chronicles a chaotic prison break involving three central figures.
But what aspects of this story are fact? Here’s everything you need to understand about the actual events that inspired Escape at Dannemora.
Is Escape at Dannemora a true story?
Indeed, Escape at Dannemora is inspired by the real-life 2015 escape from Clinton Correctional Facility, which kicked off a manhunt for two convicted killers.
The narrative centers around three key individuals: convicted murderer Richard Matt (played by Benicio del Toro) and David Sweat (Paul Dano), along with Joyce “Tilly” Mitchell (Patricia Arquette), a married prison staffer who became romantically entangled with both inmates, primarily with Matt.
In essence, she assisted them in escaping the prison, which was discovered during a routine bed check. At that point, Matt was serving a sentence of 25 years to life, while Sweat had a life sentence without the possibility of parole.
The escape was carried out by cutting holes in their prison cell walls to access the utility corridors behind. They then penetrated a steam pipe, using it to break free into the city’s sewer system.
How did they procure the necessary tools? Two prison employees lent a hand: one being Mitchell, who oversaw the tailor shop where both Matt and Sweat were employed. The other accomplice was Gene Palmer, portrayed by David Morse in the series.
The escape sparked a manhunt that persisted for three weeks, costing an estimated $23 million. During this pursuit, Matt was ultimately killed after he was spotted 20 days post-escape; he shot at an oncoming vehicle in Franklin County and was then fatally shot in the head by law enforcement.
Sweat was apprehended on June 28 after being seen by a Sergeant in Constable, New York. Following a chase through a field, he was shot twice in the left shoulder and arm before being taken into custody.
He later pleaded guilty to two counts of first-degree escape and one count of promoting prison contraband, receiving a concurrent sentence of 3.5 to 7 years in addition to his life term.
After enduring several hunger strikes after receiving this extra sentence, Sweat was mandated by the courts to be force-fed in 2022.
The series, spanning seven episodes, primarily unfolds from Mitchell’s viewpoint, kicking off with her interrogation about her growing fixation on both Matt and Sweat, and culminating with her efforts to avoid law enforcement while the two are on the run.
How long did Joyce Mitchell serve in prison?
Joyce Mitchell was sentenced to 2.33 to 7 years in prison after admitting to promoting prison contraband and facilitating criminal activities. She was paroled and released in February 2020, serving a total of five years.
As reported by ABC News, Mitchell expressed deep remorse during her sentencing, stating: “If I could reverse my actions, I would. I can’t adequately convey how regretful I am for everything that transpired.
“At 51 years of age, this is undoubtedly the gravest error of my life. I live with remorse each day and will continue to do so indefinitely,” she remarked.
The report also noted that Mitchell is undergoing professional help and counseling, actively acknowledging her wrongdoings while still grappling with the motivations behind her choices.
Her additional charge of criminal facilitation came with a concurrent one-year sentence to be served alongside her prison contraband sentence.
She was fined $5,000, along with $1,000 for each charge.
The other accomplice, Palmer, pleaded guilty to promoting prison contraband and received a six-month jail sentence, along with a fine of $5,375. He ultimately served four months due to good behavior.
What is Joyce Mitchell doing now?
Joyce Mitchell is currently believed to be living with her husband in Franklin County, New York, which is located at the northern border near Canada.
According to CNN, the original plan laid out by Matt and Sweat entailed murdering Mitchell’s husband as she went out to meet the escapees. “On the day of their escape, I was supposed to give my husband, Lyle, two pills to incapacitate him, allowing me to leave the house,” Mitchell revealed to authorities.
“After I retrieved them, the intention was to return to my house” with Matt, eliminating what they referred to as ‘the glitch.’”
Mitchell’s relationship with Matt intensified while they both worked in the tailor shop. She revealed he made her feel “cherished.” Over the following month, their interactions evolved into casual chats, with Matt seeking assistance in connecting with his daughter.
In the months that followed, Mitchell began purchasing items for Matt after he painted something for her anniversary that she never received, eventually supplying tools under the pretext of their digging efforts.
During this period, Mitchell also claimed that Matt turned sexually aggressive towards her.
How to watch
All episodes of Escape at Dannemora are currently streaming on Netflix.
If you haven’t signed up for the streaming platform yet, you can easily access this gripping series through Netflix’s free trial.
Discover additional TV shows available for streaming this month as well.
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