Prisoner Suspected Of Murder Recaptured

An escaped prisoner who police say killed a female acquaintance after he failed to return from a work-release programme has been captured.

Pennsylvania State Police tweeted that Robert Crissman was apprehended on Friday morning, around 26 hours after he fled from Armstrong County Jail while delivering meals to other inmates.

The body of Tammy Long, 55, was found on Thursday afternoon at a home around a mile away from the jail in Kittanning.

Police have not revealed how she was killed but an autopsy has been scheduled for later on Friday.

Ms Long and her boyfriend Jerry Slagle knew Crissman, but were unaware he had escaped from jail when they let him inside the home, officials said.

District Attorney Scott Andreassi said: "They only knew him as a friend. They didn't even know he was in jail."

Mr Slagle found Ms Long dead and his truck missing when he got home, Mr Andreassi said.

Crissman escaped from the jail after walking outside to get meals from a truck and then fleeing, Sheriff William Rupert said.

"The doors were open so he could carry in meal trays, and he just walked away," Mr Rupert added.

Crissman had been in jail for violating probation on a drug charge. He had no violent crime on his record and was trusted by staff.