1 convict caught; 'Bonnie and Clyde' duo sought
YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK, Wyo. - An escaped killer with a handgun and a hitchhiking sign expressed relief at his capture yesterday after 10 days on the run, while authorities searched to the north of this tourist-packed park for a second fugitive and his female accomplice, a self-styled "Bonnie and Clyde."
Tracy Province, 42, was caught as he walked in Meeteetse, Wyo., steps from a church where he sat in the pews a day earlier and sang "Your Grace Is Enough."
The search for John McCluskey, 45, and Casslyn Welch, 44, focused for a time on sprawling Yellowstone, which straddles Wyoming and Montana. Authorities now believe the two fled the park while agents followed leads in Montana.
"They consider themselves as Bonnie and Clyde," U.S. Marshal David Gonzales said at a news conference in Phoenix. "This is very, very serious business."
Province, McCluskey and Daniel Renwick escaped from a private, medium-security Arizona State Prison near Kingman on July 30 after authorities say Welch threw wire cutters over the perimeter fence. Welch is McCluskey's fiancee and cousin. Renwick, 37, was captured in Colorado.
Efforts to find the remaining three intensified after they were linked to a double homicide in New Mexico, with the case airing Saturday on "America's Most Wanted."
On Sunday, Province walked into Meeteetse Community Church, about 60 miles outside Yellowstone, worshipper Jay Curtis said. Province looked like one of the many hitchhikers who pass through town.
"Just shook his hand and said, 'Welcome, welcome to our church,' " said Curtis. "He just smiled and said, 'Thank you.' " Province closed his eyes and sang along with the band.
After the service, Province walked across the street and sat down on the curb with his backpack. Curtis said the church pastor then paid Province to mow and trim the church lawn. Province got $40 and a jacket, authorities said.
A woman who had chatted briefly with Province on the church steps Sunday called police after recognizing him later on television, Gonzales said.
When marshals and other law enforcement officers arrested him, he was carrying a 9-mm handgun and the sign that said "Casper," about 160 miles to the southeast, authorities said.
Province was serving a life sentence for murder and robbery out of Pima County, Ariz. McCluskey was serving a 15-year term for attempted second-degree murder and aggravated assault out of Maricopa County, Ariz. Forensic evidence linked the two and Welch to the killings of an Oklahoma couple.
