ALBION, Pa. — Police looking for a murderer who escaped from prison by hiding in a trash can were interviewing his family and friends, as well as people who claim to have spotted him, state corrections officials said.

Malcolm Kysor, 53, of Erie, remained at large Tuesday, two days after state police say he escaped the medium-security state prison in Albion. A state police helicopter had joined the search for Kysor, augmenting vehicle and foot patrols near the prison, about 20 miles southwest of Erie.

Pennsylvania Department of Corrections officials did not immediately say where Kysor was reportedly spotted, or whether they have confirmed any of those reports. Kysor is believed to have relatives in the Columbus, Ohio, area.

Kysor has been serving a life sentence since 1988 for an early 1980s murder in Erie County. He was moved to the Albion prison in April.

Prison officials were easing lockdown conditions put in place after the escape was discovered.

Inmates were no longer confined to their cells Tuesday, though their movements were being closely controlled, according to a statement released by a spokeswoman.