PHILADELPHIA, PA – A prisoner who managed to escape from a Philadelphia correctional facility nearly two weeks ago was discovered dead inside a city warehouse, according to officials on Tuesday.
The deceased was identified as 34-year-old Gino Hagenkotter, the escapee from the Riverside Correctional Facility on November 30, as confirmed by the U.S. Marshals Service Philadelphia. The Philadelphia Medical Examiner identified the body, which was found in the Kensington neighborhood on Monday.
Hagenkotter’s body was discovered shortly before 2:30 p.m. in a warehouse located on East Venango Street’s 1100 block. Despite being pronounced dead at the scene, authorities initially struggled to identify the body due to the lack of identification on the deceased.
Fingerprint analysis ultimately aided in identifying Hagenkotter. The cause of death, however, remains undisclosed.
Hagenkotter had managed to escape during a work detail in the orchard behind the Philadelphia Industrial Correctional Facility. He had asked an officer if he could use the restroom before climbing a fence and making his escape, according to officials.
Hagenkotter was serving time for minor crimes related to theft and burglary. He was scheduled for release in April. On the day of his escape, he was supposed to be transferred into a transitional program. However, the transfer was halted after officials discovered Hagenkotter had outstanding retail theft charges in Bucks County. Officials believe this may have influenced his decision to escape.
This marks the fourth instance of a prisoner escaping custody in Philadelphia this year.