MANHUNT ON “20/20" - Exclusive Access to the Hunt for Escaped Prisoners David Sweat and Richard Matt Airing Friday, July 24 at 10 pm on ABC

ByABC News
July 23, 2015, 3:00 PM

— -- It was a scene out of a blockbuster movie – two men sentenced to life in prison for murder escaping through a hole in a pipe, emerging to freedom from a manhole. Yet there were no cameras rolling, and no director to yell “cut.” Instead this real life prison break captivated the nation last month, and kept a small upstate New York town on edge for three weeks until convicted murderers Richard Matt was shot and killed and David Sweat was shot and captured. With exclusive and unprecedented access to the hunt for Sweat and Matt, “20/20” details the most complete picture of how the felons successfully executed the brazen prison break and how the manhunt played out, step by step. “20/20” interviews the Superintendent of the State Police Joseph D’Amico, as well as Major Charles Guess, the tactical lead and field commander, who shares with “20/20” never-before-seen elements leading to their capture. ABC News Correspondents Gio Benitez and Linzie Janis report. “Manhunt” airs on “20/20” on FRIDAY, JULY 24 (10:00-11:00 p.m., ET) on ABC.

“20/20” is anchored by Elizabeth Vargas and David Muir. David Sloan is senior executive producer.