He's Out!: The true story of infamous prison escapee Richard Matt as told by his daughter

by Jamie Scalise, Bob DiCesare

In June of 2015 Richard Matt, a double murderer, and David Sweat, a cop killer, escaped from Clinton Correctional Facility in mountainous upstate New York. National media, fascinated by the escape's resemblance to the one in The Shawshank Redemption, provided constant updates during their three weeks on the lam. I'm sure I followed the news reports closer than most. Richard Matt was my dad. I knew him but a short time, four years in total, yet his death compelled me to piece together the rest of his story through key figures in his life – including fellow escapee David Sweat, civilian accessory Joyce Mitchell and even my mom. We had spoken little of him over the years. My journey through his past, which included a final return trip to the infamous manhole in Dannemora, provided needed closure to a shocking episode of my life launched when I received word that He's Out!

Genres: Nonfiction

180 pages, Paperback

Published October 29, 2018

Reviews

[Sheila Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good book

A wonderful and loving account by the daughter left behind with many unanswered questions. Ms. Scalise presents an honest appraisal of her father. She does not sugar coat anything or make excuses for her father's actions. She presents her story with all the ups and downs she encountered. I applaud her honesty and courage in writing her side of the Richard Matt story.

[Laura Beth · Rating 2 out of 5]

Topic and content certainly could warrant a book. However, this was so poorly written that I wanted to quit so many times, but I persevered for whatever reason. My kindle said it was total of only 3 hr reading time... it felt like an eternity. Fortunately I read this via kindle unlimited so I didn’t spend extra $$.

[Melissa Cohen koch · Rating 4 out of 5]

From the daughters point of view: Great supplement to Showtimes Escape At Dannemora

An incredible search for some kind of relationship between the daughter and her convicted murderer father. Daughter of Richard Matt (Escapee of the 2015 escape from Dannemora/ Clinton Correctional Facility. shows another side to her Father. A soul searching journey of what lead RichardMatt to become a convicted murderer. She shows empathy for those her father wronged and tried to place herself in their shoes. Her father destroyed quite a few lives with his decisions and actions. Thankfully, her mother shielded her from her father’s manipulative behavior. I feel like deep down, he could love his daughter, but at the same time, he could also have been manipulating her, for when he needed help after he got out. His was a life of trying to survive by whatever way he deemed necessary. Thankfully no one else was killed during his and Sweats escape. There are many people who have grown up in bad environments. We all have the ability to choose between right and wrong decisions, though. And many of her fathers choices were ultimately selfish and destructive. She may have her dad’s blood, but she is not her father. Great book and Quick read.

[Kathleen Ray · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having worked in both the county and state prison systems, including Death Row, I often wondered who those people were that visited the deviants. It was interesting to hear Jamie's story about connecting with her dad in prison after she became an adult. It was a good story about emotions and connection with a long lost father. She did a great job explaining the laxity in security of the prison which lead to her dads and Davids Sweats escape. Even though Richard Matt had evil within himself and was a murderer, he was talented as an artist and seemed to have a soft spot in his heart for his daughter. I can't imagine being told your dad died from 3 bullet wounds to the head. Thank you for sharing your experiences Jamie. There are a few typos and some repetition in the book but I helped my sister self publish a book know it's not an easy job for a novice. Everybody seems to like the best-seller crime books but this is a true story with real people involved - so many affected by stupid decisions they made.

[Laurie Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sad...

I feel so bad for this young woman, but glad she finally got some peace and moved on with her life. Her father was a real scoundrel, but I have no doubt he loved her. He just had a rotten childhood and was never shown the love he deserved as a child. That can cause any human to grow up devoid of the ability to love. He was rejected by not only by his biological parents, but then his foster parents, too, who wouldn't formally adopt him
Does that excuse his choices? Absolutely not, but it does explain them a bit. In closing, I wish Jamie the best of luck in life. Her book was very heartfelt, and I'm so sorry she was robbed of a father because of his own choices.

[Karole Petty · Rating 3 out of 5]

Was a quick read but I was left with more questions then answers. The book is written from what the daughter knew …. and follows her quest to get to know her father and to get answers to some of her questions... I over all was not impressed with this book … I felt it was rushed and a story that perhaps wasn't there ….

[Jim Tracy · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's funny this book will probably only sell several hundred but I found it more interesting than a lot of best sellers. One can't get enough of this story. It was also not a repeat of a lot of stuff. It was its own unique story. If you're interested in this case, I highly recommend it. If you're not interested, you might become so after reading it.
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[Lwcimino226gmail.Com · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have much empathy for this young woman. Prison reform is VERY necessary; this escape NEVER should have happened if people were doing their jobs.
The VICTIMS were tortured by these monsters.........will Joyce still receive a pension????????

[Kristin Hurley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Richard Matt was a convict he didn't want to stay in prison for life.

[Stacy Smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is interesting but I have so many unanswered questions after reading it. It was interesting because this crime occurred in NY where I am from.

[Karyn Brett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book

Great book !!!! Certainly helpful to people who can relate to similar experiences. It takes Amit to come out and talk about these things