By Corrections1 Staff
PHOENIX — John McCluskey, one of three Arizona inmates who escaped from jail and went on the run for several weeks last summer goes to trial today. His cousin turned fiancé Casslyn Welch helped him escape after he and the other inmates cut through the prison fence.
Authorities say the fugitives went on a multi-state crime spree, which included the violent murder of a couple in New Mexico, according to MyFoxPhoenix.
McCluskey allegedly killed Linda and Gary Hass after meeting them at a highway rest stop. Initially after their camper, he kidnapped the couple, took them to an isolated area and killed them, according to reports.
He was caught by federal agents in a campground in Arizona. He faces charges of escape, kidnapping, armed robbery, aggravated assault and misconduct involving weapons.
Following his arrest, he tried to kill himself in prison according to Phoenix New Times. A Mohave County sheriff said he tried to headbutt a detective after a court hearing on Monday, and refused to walk to a transport van or into the jail, so he had to be carried.
The trial is expected to be over by June 17th, according to the article.
When it is, McCluskey be taken back to New Mexico where he’ll be tried for the murders.