Frank Morris
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Frank Lee Morris (September 1, 1926 – c. June 11, 1962 or later) was an American criminal who escaped from Alcatraz and was never seen again.
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[edit] Early years
Frank Lee Morris was born in Washington D.C. and spent most of his early years going to different foster homes. He was convicted of his first crime at the age of 13, and by his late teens Morris had been arrested for crimes ranging from narcotics possession to armed robbery.
As he progressed into adult life, Morris began to move to even bigger penitentiaries. He was alleged to possess “superior intelligence” (IQ of 133, according to the MythBusters) and could worm his way out of most prisons.
[edit] Alcatraz
On January 20, 1960 Frank Morris was shipped to Alcatraz, where he became prisoner #AZ1441. Allegedly, Morris began scheming his escape as soon as he arrived at Alcatraz. He was not alone in his escape; there were three others: John Anglin, his brother Clarence Anglin, and Allen West (who was unable to join the escape when it was eventually made).
The escape was long and complicated. Over a period of two years, Morris and the Anglins created a raft and lifelike dummies, and stole a number of tools to dig with. By May of 1962, they had already dug through the vents at the back of the cells, working in shifts, with some keeping lookout while others dug.
[edit] The Escape
On the night of June 11, 1962 the attempt went ahead. The group escaped out of the vents in the back of their cells and into the utility corridor. They then proceeded onto the roof and down to the bay. There they boarded the raft they had been working on, and disappeared into the night.
The following morning the officers awoke to find the dummies lying in the beds and the prisoners missing. The FBI conducted one of the largest manhunts since the Lindbergh kidnapping to no avail. Bits of the raft and life preservers were later found in the bay. Also found was a waterproof bag containing personal effects of the Anglins. Although the authorities never found any bodies, they were certain the men had drowned. They pointed out that the chances of all three surviving the trip across the bay were slim, there were no robberies or car thefts that could have been attributed to them, as well as the fact that the men were habitual criminals and yet were never arrested again. The FBI officially closed the case on December 31st 1979, concluding that "no credible evidence emerged to suggest the men were still alive".[1] However, the MythBusters succesfully showed in similar conditions that a raft made of raincoats could be successfully paddled across to the Marin Headlands with three men aboard — the raft was piloted by the show's main cast members; Jamie Hyneman and Adam Savage, together with an assisting member of the show to take the third place.
The film Escape from Alcatraz is based on the famous escape. Clint Eastwood starred as Morris.
[edit] See also
- Clarence Anglin
- John Anglin
- Allen West
- Ted Cole
- Ralph Roe
- Escape from Alcatraz
- Alcatraz Escape Attempts
- List of people who have disappeared
