Casefile True Crime   /     Case 68: Escape from Alcatraz

Description

Although Alcatraz Prison had since been repaired to a workable condition, the battle scars of Bernie Coy’s 1946 violent failed escape remained visible throughout the cell house. Areas of the floor were chipped, cracked, and faded black from where grenades had detonated. In response to The Battle of Alcatraz that resulted in the deaths of two correctional officers, the imposing prison tightened its grip on its inmates. The stricter control was used to readjust the kinds of rebellious attitudes and behaviours that led to the siege in the first place – and aimed to crush all thoughts of escape. In the ten years following The Battle of Alcatraz no inmates attempted an escape. It seemed the temptation had been overtaken by fear of death. However, the thought of escape never left the minds of battered inmates who resented Alcatraz and sought freedom. As days dragged on and felt like eternity, inmates found solace in passing the time by dreaming up elaborate escape plans and thinking of ways to get out of Alcatraz once and for all. Every morning at 6:30 am inmates woke to the piercing sound of the morning whistle. They rose, made their beds, cleaned up their cells, and washed themselves in preparation for breakfast. By 7:15 am a second whistle blew signalling the start of the ‘count’. Inmates stood at the bars of their cell while a passing guard took a head count. It was no different on the morning of June 12th, 1962. Inmates leant against the bars as guards walked past counting. Oddly, the guards realised they were missing three. Thinking they must have miscalculated, they walked back along the corridors and recounted, but they got the same result. Three inmates were missing...   ____ Researched and written by Milly Raso   NARRATION: Episode narrated by the Anonymous Host   MUSIC 1. ‘Flatline intro’ and ‘Come play with me’ intro and outro www.dl-sounds.com 2. All other music and audio clean up performed by Mike Migas and Andrew Joslyn    THIS EPISODE'S SPONSORS Cults – Mystery. Manipulation. Murder. A new podcast about cults   RESOURCES Warning – Contains spoilers     BOOKS: Riddle of the Rock: The Only Successful Escape from Alcatraz – Don Denevi Alcatraz: A History of the Penitentiary Years – Michael Esslinger    ARTICLES: Alcatraz Escape – FBI   Legendary 1962 Alcatraz escapees shown in Brazil 13 years later in newly-discovered photo – New York Daily News After 50 Years, the U.S. Marshals Remain Diligent in Hunt for Renowned Alcatraz Escapees – U.S. Marshals Service   ARCHIVES: Alcatraz History   VIDEOS: Breakout From Alcatraz - History Channel The Big House: Alcatraz   _____ Our episodes deal with serious and often distressing incidents. If you feel at anytime you need support, please contact your local crisis centre. Some suggestions for confidential support for men women and children:   AUSTRALIA: Lifeline Crisis Support: 13 11 14 Beyond Blue: Depression and anxiety support: 1300 22 46 36 Rape & Domestic Violence Services: 1800 737 732 Men's Line:  1300 78 99 78 Headspace: Youth Mental Health Foundation: see headspace.org.au for your local centre   USA: Distress &  Lifeline: 1800 273 8255 Crisis Text Line: text HOME to 741 741 Domestic Violence Helpline: 1800 799 7233 Victim Connect: support for victims of crime: 855 484 2846   UK: Mind: mental health support: 0300 123 3393 SANE: mental health support: 0300 304 7000 Samaritans support network: 116 123 National Stalking Helpline: 0808 802 0300   CANADA: For a list of Canadian crisis centres: https://thelifelinecanada.ca/help/call/   NEW ZEALAND: Lifeline: 0800 543354 Depression Helpline: 0800 111 757 (Text 4202

Summary

Although Alcatraz Prison had since been repaired to a workable condition, the battle scars of Bernie Coy’s 1946 violent failed escape remained visible throughout the cell house. Areas of the floor were chipped, cracked, and faded black from where grenades had detonated. ___ Researched and written by Milly Raso [For all credits and sources please visit casefilepodcast.com]