Unclaimed by Kin, Killer Escapee Will Be Buried in Unmarked Grave

While on the run as an escapee from a New York prison, murder Richard Matt was one of the most sought-after men in America. In death, nobody wants him: His unclaimed body is set to be buried in an unmarked grave.

Matt was shot and killed by a U.S. Customs and Border Protection tactical team near Lake Titus in the town Malone, about 40 miles west of the Clinton Correctional Facility, the prison from which Matt and David Sweat broke out on June 6.

The New York Post reports that none of the killer’s next of kin came forward to claim him, after he led police on a massive three-week prison break.

Matt was shot multiple times, including in the head, and WIVB-TV has posted a graphic photo of the deceased convict moments after being shot. He was armed with a 20-gauge shotgun - which he had not fired - but refused to surrender when he was killed.

Because no one claimed him, Matt is now a ward of Franklin County, NY, where he was killed. Franklin County coroner, Bert Wilcox, told the Post that while Matt will be buried in a single grave, it will be a decidedly no-frills ordeal.

“They’ll probably go to the least-expensive one they can find,” said Wilcox of the cemetery. “The county won’t pay for a marker.”

Photo: Richard Matt. Photo credit: NYS Police