ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Two women have been arrested by New Mexico State Police for allegedly aiding and harboring two escaped convicts last week.
Police on Wednesday announced the arrests of 40-year-old Michelle Abeyta of Albuquerque and 51-year-old Patricia Petrushkin of Humble, Texas.
Abeyta allegedly turned in one of the fugitives after a three-day manhunt launched after Joseph Cruz and Lionel Clah escaped from a prisoner transport van in southeastern New Mexico.
Both were taken back into custody last weekend in Albuquerque.
State Police say Abeyta allegedly allowed Clah to stay at her apartment.
They say Petrushkin allegedly harbored Clah and Cruz in her Albuquerque hotel room and also gave them money and clothing.
Authorities say Cruz was convicted of first-degree murder and Clah was serving time for armed robbery and other crimes.