- 2 days ago
- #alcatrazescape
- #coldcase
Could one of America's most notorious prison breaks finally be solved? Decades after the daring Alcatraz escape, a mysterious letter surfaces, potentially revealing the fate of the vanished inmates.
This gripping documentary delves into the evidence surrounding the 1962 escape. We explore the forensic analysis of a letter sent to the FBI fifty years later, which some believe was written by one of the escapees.
Uncover the theories, the investigations, and the lingering questions that continue to surround Frank Morris and the Anglin brothers. Was their daring plan a success, or did the cold waters of the San Francisco Bay claim them?
#AlcatrazEscape #ColdCase
This gripping documentary delves into the evidence surrounding the 1962 escape. We explore the forensic analysis of a letter sent to the FBI fifty years later, which some believe was written by one of the escapees.
Uncover the theories, the investigations, and the lingering questions that continue to surround Frank Morris and the Anglin brothers. Was their daring plan a success, or did the cold waters of the San Francisco Bay claim them?
#AlcatrazEscape #ColdCase
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NewsTranscript
00:00The United States Penitentiary on Alcatraz Island, often just called Alcatraz, was a high-security federal prison located 1.25
00:07miles off the coast of San Francisco.
00:09It's famous for several reasons, most notably for a daring escape attempt by three inmates.
00:14However, what makes this story even more fascinating is that one of the escapees actually sent a letter to the
00:19FBI 50 years after successfully breaking out of the prison.
00:23In this video, we're going to take a look at this letter and its content, Alcatraz and the Escapees.
00:28In June 1962, inmates Clarence Anglin, John Anglin, Frank Morris, and Alan West escaped from Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary.
00:36This prison is known for holding notable criminals like Al Scarface Capone and George Machine Gun Kelly to 70s Boston
00:43mob boss James Whitey Bulger and Harlem drug kingpin Ellsworth Raymond Bumpy Johnson.
00:49Al Capone is undoubtedly the most infamous gangster in American history.
00:52In 1920, during the height of Prohibition, Capone's multi-million dollar Chicago operation in bootlegging, prostitution, and gambling dominated the
01:00organized crime scene.
01:02Capone was responsible for many brutal acts of violence, mainly against other gangsters.
01:06The most famous of these was the St. Valentine's Day Massacre in 1929, in which he ordered the assassination of
01:12seven rivals.
01:13Capone was sentenced to 11 years in prison for tax evasion in 1931 and was transferred to Alcatraz in 1934,
01:20where he spent four and a half years in relative isolation due to his deteriorating health and mental state.
01:26Machine Gun Kelly earned his place in FBI history after kidnapping a wealthy oil magnate in 1933.
01:31He demanded a ransom of $200,000 and threatened to kill his victim if the police were involved.
01:37However, the FBI tracked him down and arrested him after a shootout in Memphis, Tennessee.
01:41As for Ellsworth Raymond Bumpy Johnson, his story is another fascinating chapter in American criminal history, but we'll delve into
01:48the details of his life and exploits later, so stay tuned for more on Bumpy Johnson.
01:52Let's get back to our three main escapees, starting with Frank Lee Morris.
01:56He was born in Washington, D.C. on September 1, 1926.
02:00Frank Lee Morris had a crazy life that saw him entangled in a web of criminal activities from a very
02:05young age.
02:06His journey into a life of crime commenced when he was a mere 13 years old, marking the start of
02:11a troubled path that would lead to a series of arrests and convictions.
02:15By the time Morris reached his late teens, his criminal record had already accumulated a wide range of offenses, spanning
02:21from narcotics possession to armed robbery.
02:23These early encounters with the law hinted at a pattern of delinquency that would continue throughout his life.
02:28During his early years, Frank Morris found himself within the walls of correctional institutions, where he served meals to his
02:34fellow inmates as part of his duties in the prison kitchen.
02:37As he grew older, Morris' criminal activities escalated.
02:40He faced arrests for crimes such as grand larceny in Miami Beach, car theft and armed robbery, making him a
02:46familiar figure to law enforcement agencies.
02:48However, amidst his criminal endeavors, there was a remarkable aspect to Morris' life, his intelligence.
02:53Frank Lee Morris possessed an impressive IQ score of 133, a testament to his intellectual capabilities.
03:00This intelligence placed him in the top 2% of the general population, making him a highly gifted individual despite
03:06his criminal pursuits.
03:08This intellectual prowess would later play a significant role in the events that unfolded during his incarceration at Alcatraz.
03:14Morris' journey through the criminal justice system took him to various correctional facilities in Florida and Georgia, each chapter marked
03:21by his continued involvement in illicit activities.
03:24However, his most audacious move came when he successfully escaped from the Louisiana State Penitentiary while serving a 10-year
03:30sentence for bank robbery.
03:32This daring escape marked a turning point in his criminal career, gaining him notoriety among law enforcement agencies.
03:38Despite his brief taste of freedom, Frank Lee Morris couldn't elude the long arm of the law for long.
03:43Approximately a year after his escape, he was recaptured while in the midst of committing a burglary.
03:48This time, there would be no escape, as he was subsequently sent to the infamous Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary.
03:53On January 20, 1960, Frank Lee Morris became inmate number AZ-1441 at Alcatraz.
04:01Little did anyone know that this chapter in his life would culminate in one of the most audacious and mysterious
04:06escape attempts in the history of American prisons.
04:09Next, we have John and Clarence Anglin.
04:11John and Clarence Anglin were two brothers whose unbreakable bond formed during their early years.
04:16They were known to be extraordinary swimmers, and they had a fearless nature.
04:19One time, they ventured into the frigid waters of Lake Michigan, even when chunks of ice still floated.
04:24On the surface, this daring feat amazed their siblings and spoke volumes about their adventurous spirits.
04:29As the years went by, the Anglin brothers' lives took a criminal turn.
04:33It all began when Clarence, at the tender age of 14, was caught breaking into a service station.
04:39This marked the beginning of their illicit activities.
04:41By the early 1950s, they had teamed up as partners in crime, often targeting establishments that were closed to ensure
04:48that no one would be harmed during their heists.
04:51Interestingly, they claimed to have used a weapon only once, and that even that time, they used a toy gun
04:56during a bank robbery.
04:57In 1958, the brothers executed a successful heist at the Bank of Columbia in Columbia, Alabama.
05:03This act of robbery resulted in their convictions and subsequent sentencing.
05:07The judicial system imposed 35-year sentences on them, setting them on a path that would lead them through a
05:13series of prisons.
05:14Over the years, John and Clarence experienced life behind bars at different institutions.
05:18They served time in various penitentiaries, including Florida State Prison, Leavenworth Federal Penitentiary, and the Atlanta Penitentiary.
05:25However, their insatiable desire for freedom led them to make multiple attempts to escape from the confines of the Atlanta
05:31facility.
05:31These repeated efforts caught the authorities' attention, and ultimately led to their transfer to the infamous Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary.
05:38John Anglin arrived at Alcatraz on October 24, 1960, bearing the designation Inmate AZ-1476.
05:46Not long after, his brother Clarence joined him on January 16, 1961, taking on the identification of Inmate AZ-1485.
05:55The last person is Alan West. He was born in New York City.
05:58One significant event in West's criminal history occurred in 1955 when he was arrested for car theft.
06:04Following this conviction, he was initially incarcerated at Atlanta Penitentiary, which was known for its high-security measures and its
06:11role in housing some of the country's most notorious criminals.
06:14However, Alan West's time in prison was marked by repeated attempts to break free.
06:19His escape attempt from the Florida State Prison, where he was serving time for car theft, drew the attention of
06:24prison authorities.
06:25Due to his history of escape attempts and the threat he posed as a serial offender, West was transferred to
06:30Alcatraz in 1957, at the relatively young age of 28.
06:34Upon his arrival at Alcatraz, West was assigned the Inmate No. AZ-1335, joining a select group of inmates who
06:41had found themselves on the remote and infamous island prison.
06:44Alcatraz was known for its formidable security measures, which included heavily fortified cells, vigilant guards, and its location in the
06:52middle of the treacherous waters of San Francisco Bay.
06:54The prison's reputation as a virtually escape-proof facility added an extra layer of intrigue to the story of any
07:00inmate who attempted to break free.
07:02The escape.
07:03These four inmates had a history with each other, having crossed paths during previous incarcerations in Florida and Georgia.
07:09When they found themselves assigned to adjacent cells at Alcatraz in December 1961, they saw an opportunity to join forces
07:15and hatch an audacious escape plan.
07:17Frank Morris, with his intelligence and leadership skills, took charge of orchestrating the elaborate scheme.
07:22Their plan involved strategically widening the ventilation ducts located beneath their sinks.
07:27To do this, they ingeniously repurposed discarded saw blades they scavenged from the prison grounds, as well as metal spoons
07:34stolen from the prison mess hall.
07:36Their most remarkable feat was the creation of an electric drill, improvised from the motor of a vacuum cleaner.
07:42This resourcefulness allowed them to make the necessary alterations without raising suspicion.
07:46They hid their work with painted cardboard and drowned out any noise with Morris' accordion playing during the designated music
07:52hour, camouflaging the sounds of their digging.
07:55Once the holes were big enough, the inmates could access an unguarded utility corridor situated directly behind the tier of
08:01their cells.
08:02From there, they climbed to the vacant upper level of the cell block, which became the clandestine workshop where their
08:07escape plan took shape.
08:08Here, they relied on more than 50 raincoats, along with additional stolen and donated materials, to fashion life preservers.
08:15Remarkably, Morris had come across a design for these life preservers in the March 1962 issue of Popular Mechanics, providing
08:22them with valuable instructions on construction.
08:25This workshop on top of the prison block became the epicenter of their operations.
08:29It was here that they crafted the life preservers, ensuring they would float and support their weight in the frigid
08:34waters surrounding Alcatraz Island.
08:36As they worked, they carefully concealed their activities and materials, guarding against the ever-watchful eyes of the prison guards.
08:42He also learned how to make a lampshade using resin from the November 1960 issue of Popular Mechanics.
08:48He also found valuable insights about navigation aids, specifically channel buoys, in the May 21, 1962 issue of Sports Illustrated.
08:56Undeterred by their confined environment, the group of escapees managed to construct a sizable rubber raft measuring 6 feet by
09:0314 feet.
09:04They stitched the raft's seams by hand and sealed them using liquid plastic they got from the prison's workshops.
09:10Making use of nearby steam pipes, they harnessed the heat to facilitate the sealing process.
09:15To fashion paddles, they improvised with available materials, fashioning sturdy tools using plywood and screws.
09:21Achieving access to the rooftop, a crucial component of their escape plan, involved scaling a ventilation shaft and dismantling a
09:27large fan secured by rivets.
09:29Their escape plan didn't involve only physical preparations, but also meticulous attention to detail.
09:35They knew that covering their activities outside their cells and concealing their escape would be crucial.
09:40So, they had to make sure that their plan wouldn't be exposed before they complete their escape.
09:45So they made some dummy heads to mimic their presence during head counts and patrols.
09:49These lifelike heads were fashioned from an inventive concoction that resembled paper mache, made by combining soap, toothpaste, concrete dust,
09:57and toilet paper.
09:58The finishing touches were added with paint sourced from the maintenance shop and hair collected from the barbershop floor.
10:03By artfully arranging towels and clothing beneath their blankets, and placing the fabricated heads on their pillows,
10:09they ensured that from a distance, it would appear as if they were sound asleep in their bunks.
10:13So they eagerly waited for the night of their escape on June 11, 1962.
10:18Yet even with their careful preparations, unforeseen challenges arose.
10:22Allen West encountered an unexpected obstacle in the form of hardened cement around his vent.
10:27This accidental complication narrowed the opening and firmly locked the grill in place.
10:31His efforts to rectify the situation were in vain, and by the time he managed to free the vent and
10:36widen the hole,
10:37his companions were already on their way out.
10:39Without him, left with no choice, he had to return to his cell, resigned to missing out on the opportunity
10:44for freedom.
10:45After successfully maneuvering through the service corridor, Frank Morris and the Anglin brothers progressed to the next critical phase of
10:52their escape plan.
10:53With a combination of careful, planning and audacity, they navigated the ventilation shaft, eventually emerging on the prison's rooftop.
11:00During this ascent, an unexpected loud crash echoed through the confined space.
11:05This crash alerted some of the guards.
11:06However, as no further unusual sounds followed and the cause of the disturbance wasn't immediately apparent, and they weren't unnoticed.
11:13Equipped with their makeshift tools and a sense of urgency, the escapees descended a significant height of 50 feet by
11:19sliding down a kitchen vent pipe.
11:21This risky descent demonstrated their resourcefulness and determination.
11:24Once they reached the ground, they were faced with a formidable challenge.
11:28Not one, but two 12-foot-high barbed wire perimeter fences stood between them and freedom.
11:34In an astonishing feat of determination and skill, they managed to overcome these obstacles and find themselves at the northeast
11:40shoreline of Alcatraz.
11:41This location proved to be a stroke of tactical brilliance, as it was situated near the power plant and thus
11:46lay within a blind spot in the prison's comprehensive security system.
11:50Shielded from the vigilant gaze of searchlights and the watchful eyes in the gun towers, they seized this opportunity to
11:56proceed with their escape plan.
11:58It was in this hidden corner that they put their preparations to the test.
12:01Using a stolen concertina, a musical instrument that looks like an accordion, ingeniously modified to serve as a makeshift bellows,
12:08they efficiently inflated the raft they had meticulously crafted.
12:12Their attention to detail and adaptability showcased their determination to succeed against all odds.
12:18As the night wore on, sometime after 10 p.m., the trio of escapees embarked on the final phase of
12:23their plan.
12:24They boarded the raft they had worked so diligently to create, launching it into the cold, dark waters surrounding Alcatraz.
12:29Their objective lay ahead, to get to Angel Island, located approximately two miles to the north.
12:35With each stroke of their improvised paddles they had fashioned from plywood and screws,
12:39they kept propelling themselves further away from the prison walls that had confined them for so long.
12:44As the lights of Alcatraz faded into the distance, their journey into the unknown began.
12:49An audacious bid for freedom that would capture the imagination of the world and become an enduring symbol of both
12:55determination and defiance.
12:56Now, since then, there's been lots of theories on whether or not they made it out alive.
13:00Many military and law enforcement agencies spent 10 days searching by air, sea, and land after the three inmates escaped
13:07from Alcatraz Prison.
13:08They found a paddle and a wallet with information about the escapees' friends and family near Angel Island.
13:13Some scraps of what seemed to be the escape raft were discovered near the Golden Gate Bridge.
13:17A deflated life jacket from the same raft was also found near Alcatraz Island.
13:21However, no other evidence was found.
13:23The FBI believed early on that the escapees had drowned because they left their personal belongings behind,
13:28but they couldn't find any human remains at the time.
13:31A month later, a ship spotted a body in the ocean near the Golden Gate Bridge.
13:35They didn't recover the body until later and didn't report it until October.
13:38However, the local county coroner Henry Turkle doubted it was one of the escapees,
13:43thinking it was more likely someone else who had jumped from the bridge.
13:45Other coroners disagreed, suggesting it could be one of the escapees.
13:49The FBI officially said it was possible for the escapees to reach Angel Island,
13:53but the chances of surviving the rough waters were very low.
13:56Also, according to the final FBI report, the escapees had plans to steal clothes in a car once they reached
14:02land,
14:02but there were no reports of such thefts in the area.
14:05While there are many facts that suggest that they might have died,
14:08one thing that we know for sure is that their bodies were never found.
14:11The most interesting theory about what happened to them was that they made it out alive
14:15because they had help from a very powerful ally, the real mastermind.
14:19According to this theory, their ally and the real mastermind behind the whole escape
14:23is none other than Ellsworth Raymond Bumpy Johnson.
14:26Ellsworth Raymond Johnson led a life filled with both challenges and notoriety.
14:31He got his unique nickname Bumpy because he had an abnormal growth on his head,
14:35and this served as an emblem of his identity.
14:37Bumpy's early years were filled with troubles.
14:39At the tender age of 10, after his older brother was wanted for the murder of a white man,
14:44he, along with most of his siblings, was sent to live in the bustling streets of Harlem for their safety.
14:49Escaping the racial strife of the South, where they faced discrimination and violence,
14:53seemed like a fresh start for the Johnson family.
14:56However, even in the vibrant and dynamic neighborhood of Harlem,
14:59Bumpy couldn't escape the scourge of racism.
15:01His small stature and deep Southern accent made him an easy target for bullies.
15:05Nevertheless, his fiery temper and determination to stand his ground
15:08prevented him from becoming a hapless victim.
15:10It was during these early years that he began honing his fighting skills,
15:14learning how to defend himself in the unforgiving streets of Harlem.
15:17Education didn't play a significant role in Bumpy's life.
15:20He dropped out of high school early on.
15:22Instead, he turned to odd jobs to make ends meet,
15:25and fell into the orbit of a rather unsavory crowd.
15:27This association eventually brought him to the attention of a notorious gangster named
15:32William Bubb Hewlett.
15:33Under Hewlett's guidance, Bumpy became more than just a street fighter.
15:36He evolved into a highly regarded bodyguard, protecting the interests of high-rolling
15:41illegal gamblers in the bustling neighborhood of Harlem.
15:44Bumpy's journey took a darker turn when his involvement in various illegal activities,
15:49including burglary and pimping, led him down a treacherous path.
15:52These illicit ventures eventually caught the attention of law enforcement,
15:55resulting in his incarceration for the next decade.
15:58While behind bars, Bumpy continued to cultivate his criminal skills and connections,
16:02solidifying his status as a significant figure in the world of organized crime.
16:06By the time Ellsworth Bumpy Johnson reached the age of 30, he had already spent half of his life
16:11in and out of prison.
16:13His reputation as a troublemaker was well-earned, as he was deeply involved in various criminal
16:17activities, including bribery, theft, and running a pimping operation.
16:21When he was finally released from prison in 1932, after serving a lengthy sentence,
16:26he found himself in a dire situation, broke and without any legitimate job prospects.
16:31Returning to the unforgiving streets of Harlem, Bumpy's life took a dramatic turn when he crossed
16:35paths with one of the most powerful figures in the Harlem underworld, Stephanie St. Clair.
16:40Known as Madam Queen, or the Queen of the Policy Rackets, St. Clair was a formidable force in the
16:45world of organized crime in New York City. St. Clair recognized something in Bumpy Johnson,
16:50a potential she could harness. She took him under her wing, seeing his potential as a loyal and
16:55resourceful ally in her criminal endeavors. Their partnership marked a significant turning point
16:59in Bumpy's life. Together, Bumpy Johnson and Stephanie St. Clair embarked on a bold and audacious
17:05mission. They waged a war against several influential New York crime bosses, with one of their primary
17:10targets being the notorious Dutch Schultz. This was a period when organized crime families held
17:15considerable power and influence over various illegal enterprises, including gambling, protection
17:20rackets, and the numbers game. Serving as St. Clair's bodyguard and chief enforcer, Johnson was involved in
17:25the murder and kidnapping of over 40 people, but the duo's war against the mob was futile. At that
17:30time, Dutch Schultz and his associates had a firm grip on the illegal gambling operations in Harlem,
17:35thanks in part to their favorable relations with law enforcement. However, Schultz's unscrupulous
17:40financial practices and a growing sense of mistrust among his mob associates spelled trouble for him.
17:46This internal strife would ultimately lead to his demise, as he was brutally shot to death in 1935.
17:52Simultaneously, Stephanie St. Clair, facing mounting legal pressure and the need to evade law enforcement,
17:57made a strategic decision to entrust her illicit empire to Bumpy Johnson. With Schultz no longer in
18:02the picture, Johnson and Charles' lucky Luciano, who had been staunch rivals, surprisingly forged an
18:07alliance. In this newfound partnership, Johnson was granted control over all of Harlem's underworld
18:12operations as an independent entity, with the understanding that Luciano's syndicate, which would later
18:18become known as the Genovese crime family, would receive a share of the proceeds. Bumpy Johnson's
18:23influence in Harlem was complex. While the community often lived in fear of his criminal activities,
18:28there was also a deep sense of admiration and respect for him. He earned a reputation similar
18:32to that of a modern-day Robin Hood. Despite his involvement in illegal activities, Johnson showed
18:37a softer side by supporting the most vulnerable members of Harlem. One notable example of his goodwill
18:42was his tradition of giving away free turkeys during Thanksgiving to families in need. This act of charity
18:47endeared him to many residents, who saw him as a protector of the community. Bumpy Johnson's life
18:52took a dramatic turn in 1951, when he received a 15-year prison sentence for his involvement in a
18:57heroin distribution conspiracy in New York. He spent the majority of his sentence at the notorious
19:02Alcatraz Prison. His stay on The Rock, as Alcatraz was often called, was a challenging period in his
19:07life, and it tested his resilience and resourcefulness. While incarcerated at Alcatraz, Johnson's legend
19:13continued to grow, and intriguing stories surrounded his time there. One of the lesser-known tales was his
19:18alleged involvement in the daring escape attempt of the three Alcatraz escapees. Although this story is not
19:24officially confirmed, it's worth noting that Clarence Carnes, another notorious Alcatraz inmate, claimed in
19:30interviews that Bumpy Johnson may have assisted the Anglin brothers during their infamous 1962 escape from the
19:35prison. According to Carnes, Bumpy provided the boat that the Anglin brothers, along with fellow escapee Frank
19:41Morris, used to make their daring getaway from the seemingly impenetrable island prison. This
19:46involvement in the escape attempt aligns with Bumpy Johnson's reputation for being a protector of
19:51people in need. Throughout his life, he had a history of offering security and support to those
19:56who sought refuge or faced threats. One example of this is how he protected Malcolm X, notably in the
20:02television series The Godfather of Harlem. When he came out of Alcatraz, he reunited with Malcolm X,
20:07who was an old friend. This scene has led many to wonder if the two were really friends in real
20:12life.
20:12Well, in reality, Bumpy Johnson and Malcolm X were indeed friends. Johnson provided security for
20:17Malcolm X during times when his life was in jeopardy. While the exact extent of their friendship
20:22may not be extensively detailed in Malcolm X's biography, their collaboration in the struggle
20:27for civil rights and social justice in the United States was well documented. Bumpy Johnson and Malcolm X
20:33shared a commitment to fighting for equity and equality during a tumultuous era in American
20:37history. Interestingly, Malcolm X died after leaving his protection. So, it is very possible
20:42that Bumpy was the real mastermind behind the Alcatraz escape because he certainly had the means to help
20:47the escapees disappear without leaving a trace. The Aftermath
20:50Alan West was the only member of the escape plan who didn't actually take part in the escape itself.
20:56Following the failure of the Alcatraz escape plan, West made a significant decision. He decided to fully
21:01cooperate with the subsequent investigation. This cooperation led to West avoiding any criminal
21:05charges related to the escape plot, distinguishing him from his comrades who faced legal consequences
21:11for their roles in the audacious breakout attempt. After the closure of Alcatraz in 1963, West was among
21:17the inmates who were transferred to other federal prisons. He first found himself incarcerated at
21:21McNeil Island, located off the coast of Washington. Later, he was moved back to the Atlanta Penitentiary,
21:27where he continued to serve his sentence. Despite having avoided charges for his
21:30involvement in the Alcatraz escape, he found himself in legal trouble once again. In 1967,
21:35just a few years after his release from Alcatraz, West was arrested in Florida on charges of grand
21:40larceny. This marked another chapter in his troubled history with the law. Tragically, while serving his
21:45sentence in the Florida State Prison, a deeply unfortunate and disturbing incident occurred.
21:50In October 1972, West was involved in a fatal altercation, resulting in the stabbing death of another
21:56inmate. The motives behind this incident were unclear, but it was suggested that it may have
22:00been motivated by racial animosity. Following this tragic event, Allen West faced multiple sentences,
22:06including a life imprisonment term for the murder conviction. His time in prison came to a somber end.
22:11In 1978, he passed away due to acute peritonitis. The Alcatraz escape certainly gave some other inmates
22:17motivation to recreate. For instance, on December 16, 1962, an Alcatraz inmate named John Paul Scott
22:24devised a plan. He fashioned water wings using inflated rubber gloves and then bravely swam a
22:29distance of 2.7 nautical miles, which is about 3.1 miles or 5.0 kilometers from Alcatraz to Fort
22:37Point,
22:37which is located at the southern end of the Golden Gate Bridge. On that fateful day, at precisely 5.47
22:43a.m.,
22:43the authorities at Alcatraz realized that an escape attempt was in progress. John Paul Scott,
22:49determined to make his way out of the inescapable Alcatraz, had taken the plunge into the cold and
22:54treacherous waters of San Francisco Bay. However, this escape attempt would not go as planned.
22:59Shortly after his daring escape, Scott encountered a significant setback. During his desperate bid for
23:03freedom, he had the misfortune of breaking his ankle. This injury severely hampered his ability to
23:08continue the escape. Realizing the dire situation he was in and the immense pain from his broken ankle,
23:13Scott had no choice but to give up the escape. Just 20 minutes after the initial alarm was raised,
23:18he was recaptured. The capture took place on a small rock formation known as Little Alcatraz,
23:23located a mere 100 yards from Alcatraz Island itself. Interestingly, while Scott's escape attempt may
23:28have been short-lived, it did manage to evade the initial search efforts conducted by the Coast Guard
23:33in the bay. Scott had managed to stay hidden from view. This escape attempt had momentarily left
23:38authorities baffled and wondering about his whereabouts. At 7.40 a.m., the Presidio Military
23:43Police received an unexpected call from a group of four teenagers. They had stumbled upon an unconscious
23:48man beneath the imposing structure of the Golden Gate Bridge at a place known as Fort Point. To their
23:53surprise, this man turned out to be none other than John Paul Scott. Scott's condition was dire. He was
23:59suffering from a severe case of hypothermia, brought on by the frigid waters and the exhausting
24:03ordeal he had endured. It appeared that the ebbing tide had carried him a considerable distance from
24:08Alcatraz to this location, approximately three miles away. After being discovered and rescued by
24:13the teenagers, John Paul Scott was quickly transported to Letterman General Hospital, where he received
24:18treatment and care for his injuries and hypothermia. Once his physical condition stabilized, he was promptly
24:23returned to the confines of Alcatraz, where the reality of its inescapable reputation once again came
24:29undeniable. Before John Paul Scott's daring escape attempt, everyone thought that swimming away from
24:33Alcatraz was a near-impossible feat. The formidable challenges presented by the San Francisco Bay made
24:39this notion seem entirely plausible. For starters, the bay's water temperature in December, when Scott
24:44made his attempt, was around a bone-chilling 53 degree F, 12 degree C. This frigid water alone posed a
24:51significant threat to anyone attempting such an escape. Compounding this challenge were the powerful and
24:55unpredictable currents in the bay, which could exceed speeds of six knots. These currents could swiftly carry a
25:01swimmer away from their intended course, making navigation incredibly difficult. Furthermore, Alcatraz was
25:07surrounded by treacherous waters dotted with razor-sharp rocks lurking just beneath the surface. These jagged
25:12underwater formations posed a grave danger to anyone attempting to swim away from the island. Adding to the
25:17already daunting environment were occasional visits from great white sharks, known inhabitants of the bay. While shark
25:23attacks on humans were relatively rare, the mere possibility of encountering these apex predators added another layer of
25:29terror to the idea of swimming to freedom. Prison officers, well aware of these formidable natural barriers, used them to
25:35discourage inmates from attempting escapes. When Frank Morris and the Anglin brothers had escaped from Alcatraz six months before
25:42John Paul Scott's attempt, prison officials had initially presumed that the trio had met their demise in the icy waters
25:48of the bay.
25:48Although the FBI officially listed them as missing, the prevailing belief was that they had likely drowned.
25:54However, John Paul Scott's escape challenged this notion. For the first time, it was proven that a determined inmate could,
26:00under specific circumstances, temporarily escape from Alcatraz by swimming. This event challenged the widely held belief that the seemingly insurmountable
26:08challenges posed by the San Francisco Bay made escape by swimming virtually impossible. Now, the most interesting story is the
26:14fact that someone claiming to be John Anglin wrote to San Francisco police in 2013,
26:18In the letter, the writer identified themselves as John Anglin, and claimed to have escaped from Alcatraz in June 1962,
26:25along with brothers John and Clarence Anglin, and fellow inmate Frank Morris.
26:29The writer stated that all of them had successfully escaped that night, but just barely.
26:33My name is John Anglin, reads the letter. I escaped from Alcatraz in June 1962. Yes, we all made it
26:39that night, but barely.
26:40According to this mysterious letter, Clarence Anglin had passed away in 2008, and Frank Morris had died in 2005.
26:47The author of the letter made an unusual proposal to the authorities, suggesting that if they were promised a maximum
26:52of one year in jail and access to medical treatment, they would reveal their current whereabouts.
26:57They claimed to be 83 years old and suffering from cancer at the time. The letter mentioned that John Anglin
27:03had spent most of his life in Seattle and had spent eight years in North Dakota.
27:07At the time the letter was sent, the writer was supposedly residing in Southern California.
27:11Do you think this letter is genuine? Let us know your thoughts down in the comment section.
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