On June 12, 1962, a shocking event unfolded at the infamous Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary. Guards arrived to discover that three inmates—John Anglin, Clarence Anglin, and Frank Morris—had mysteriously vanished from their cells. Their absence was cleverly disguised by papier-mâché replicas of their heads left on their pillows, a ruse intended to mislead the guards and buy them precious time. This daring escape has since become one of the most intriguing unsolved mysteries in American criminal history.
The Anglin brothers, hailing from Donalsonville, Georgia, were incarcerated after a bank robbery in Columbia, Alabama. Frank Morris, a seasoned criminal, had previously escaped from another prison but found himself at Alcatraz for burglary. The trio meticulously planned their escape for over six months, starting in December 1960, showcasing their cunning and determination in a bid for freedom.
Alcatraz, operational since 1934, was designed to be a maximum-security facility with minimal privileges for inmates. Located on an isolated island in San Francisco Bay, it was intended as a stronghold against crime in America during the early 20th century. The prison housed individuals deemed too dangerous for other facilities, establishing a reputation for being inescapable. Yet, the audacity of the Anglin brothers and Morris proved otherwise, leading to a series of events that have captivated the public imagination for decades.
Planning the Great Escape
According to the FBI, the escapees devised an elaborate plan to free themselves from the confines of Alcatraz. They began by loosening the air vents in their cells, creating a means of access to a utility corridor that would serve as their secret workshop. Here, they gathered the necessary materials, including makeshift life preservers made from 50 raincoats and a raft constructed with the same materials. They even fashioned a periscope-like device to monitor guard movements during their preparations.
On the night of their escape, the men stealthily left their cells and made their way to the roof. They navigated through a series of challenging obstacles, including a bakery smoke stack and a high fence, before reaching the northeast shore of the island. It was here that they launched their makeshift raft, hoping to navigate the treacherous waters of San Francisco Bay towards freedom. However, whether they succeeded in their daring escape remains an unanswered question.
Despite extensive searches, no bodies were ever recovered, leading to speculation about the fate of the escapees. Over the years, various claims of sightings and evidence of survival have emerged, fueling debates among investigators, experts, and the families of the Anglin brothers. In 1979, the FBI officially closed its investigation, unable to determine conclusively whether the men successfully escaped or perished in their attempt.
The Aftermath and Ongoing Mysteries
Ken Widner, a nephew of the Anglin brothers, firmly believes that his uncles survived their escape and fled the island. He and his brother David have actively participated in media interviews, presenting what they consider evidence of their relatives' survival, including a purported photograph of the brothers taken in Brazil years later. This has reignited interest in their case, particularly around the 50th anniversary of their escape.
The photograph in question was shared during a History Channel special titled "Alcatraz Escape: The Lost Evidence." It depicts two men who resemble the Anglin brothers, albeit with limited clarity. Experts have weighed in on the photo's authenticity, with some asserting that it bears similarities to known images of the brothers, while others remain skeptical. The debate continues, as does the search for definitive proof regarding their fate.
While some experts, like Michael Dyke, a former deputy at the US Marshals, express doubt about the survival of the escapees, the case remains open as long as no remains have been found. The US Marshals Service has stated its commitment to investigating until the matter is resolved, whether through arrest, confirmation of death, or until the Anglin brothers would have reached the age of 99.
As time passes, the Anglin brothers and Frank Morris's story lives on as a testament to human ingenuity and the relentless pursuit of freedom. While many questions remain unanswered, the enduring mystery of their escape continues to fascinate and elude resolution, inviting speculation and intrigue for generations to come.
