Lone N.Y. escapee may face hard time
MALONE, N.Y. – With his escape partner killed, the surviving convicted murderer who pulled off an elaborate breakout from a maximum-security prison three weeks ago could have a tougher time eluding the army of searchers scouring miles of thick woods in far northern New York, police said Saturday.
Richard Matt – who once vowed never to be taken alive – was fatally shot during an encounter with border patrol agents Friday about 30 miles west of the prison he escaped from with David Sweat on June 6. Sweat remained on the lam Saturday and about 1,200 searchers focused intensely on 22 square miles encompassing thick forests and heavy brush around where Matt was killed.
Police hoped the solo escapee would finally succumb to the stress of little sleep, scant food and biting bugs.
Tunisia reeling from resort attack
SOUSSE, Tunisia – Tunisia’s postcard destination for tourists is reeling from the terror that blighted another day of play at the Mediterranean seaside resort of Sousse. A man armed with a Kalashnikov and grenades shot tourists on a private beach, and then moved methodically through the grounds of a luxury hotel – to the swimming pool, reception area and offices.
At least 38 people were killed and wounded dozens of others in Friday’s deadly noon rampage by a young Tunisian disguised as a tourist ready for fun in the sun.
On Saturday, the private beach of the 370-room Imperial Marhaba Hotel was immaculate with chairs lined up under straw umbrellas – and police tape sealing it off. Only the emptiness and an overturned lounge chair with flowers accumulating hinted at the horror.
Three funerals held at Charleston church
CHARLESTON, S.C. – Funerals for three more victims of a deadly shooting during a Bible study in South Carolina were being held Saturday at the church where they were slain.
Services were first held for 54-year-old Cynthia Hurd at the Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, 11 days after a gunman entered the church and killed her and eight other people – all African-Americans. Police contend the attack was racially motived.
Hurd, a longtime Charleston librarian, will be remembered as a tireless public servant and loving family member, speakers at her funeral said. Attendees included South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley, U.S. Sen. Tim Scott and the Rev. Jesse Jackson.
“Her death will lead to change, and Cynthia Hurd will be helping millions,” said Charleston Mayor Joseph Riley Jr. during a eulogy.
Eurozone rejects extension for Greece
BRUSSELS – Greece is one big step closer to falling out of the euro currency union after its fellow member states refused to extend its bailout program past Tuesday, leaving the country on the brink of financial chaos.
After five months of fruitless negotiations, relations between Greece and its creditors crumbled further Saturday after Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras stunned them by calling for a referendum on the proposed reforms needed to get bailout loans.
The radical left-wing leader accused the creditors of using blackmail and ultimatums against his proud but struggling people. European officials called his move for a vote a foolish and rash gambit that effectively ended negotiations to keep Greece financially afloat.
Associated Press
