Bowers tried to escape by climbing the gate in the rec-yard. The guards shot him and he fell to his death on the rocks. Possible suicide.
Remove these ads. Join the Worldbuilders Guild
Timeline of Alcatraz Escape Attempts
Including ten escape attempts from 1936-1948. This is all factual information and covers the time where James A. Johnstone was the prison warden.
-
1936
27 /4
Joseph Bowers Killed In Escape Attempt
Criminal Activity -
1937
16 /12
Theodore Cole and Ralph Roe Escape Alcatraz?
Criminal ActivityCole and Ralph escape from Alcatraz Island. Though they were presumed dead their bodies were never found and they were listed as #1 and #2 on the FBI's Most Wanted List.
-
1938
23 /5
Franklin, Limerick, Lucas Attempt Escape
Criminal ActivityFranklin, Limerick, and Lucas attacked and killed a guard with a claw hammer. Guards shot Franklin and Limerick who also died.
-
1939
13 /-4
Henri Young, Doc Barker, Rufus McCain, Dale Stamphill, and William Martin Attempt Escape
Criminal ActivityThe five managed to escape out of D-Block and were found by the shore making a raft. Barker was killed, Stamphill was wounded, and the others sent to solitary confinement.
-
1941
31 /5
Joe Cretzer, Sam Shockley, Lloyd Barkdoll, Arnold Kyle Attempt Escape
Criminal ActivityThe four jumped a guard and attempted to saw through the window bars but gave up quickly when it wasn't working. Cretzer and Shockley would later participate in The Battle of Alcatraz.
-
1941
15 /9
John Richard Bayless Escape Attempt
Criminal ActivityBayless managed to elude the guards while on garbage duty and make it to the shore. He tried to swim but quickly gave up the attempt.
-
1943
14 /4
Hamilton, Hunter, Brest, and Boarman Attempt Escape
Criminal ActivityThe four had cut through the window bars and overpowered two guards. At the shore, the guards opened fire on the prisoners, shooting Boarman who fell in the water unconscious while Brest fruitlessly tried to save him. Hunter was found a couple hours later hiding in a cave injured. Johnstone adamantly (and wrongly) claimed Hamilton was shot and killed. Hamilton was found three days later hiding in the storeroom where they had cut the window bars.
Find your way!
Resources
WHO WE ARE
LEGAL
Get the news
Listen to our Podcast
Our Allies
