Who Were the Anglin Brothers
Frank Morris and brothers Clarence and John Anglin were inmates at Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary in the 1960s. They were transferred there after convictions for bank robbery and burglary, part of a group of high-risk offenders sent to the island for its reputation as a secure, inescapable facility.
Why Alcatraz Was Assigned to Them
Alcatraz housed prisoners who were considered too dangerous or disruptive for other federal prisons. The Anglins had prior escape attempts and disciplinary issues, so officials moved them to Alcatraz to isolate them and deter future attempts. The island's strong currents, cold water, and remote location made it a final barrier against escape.
What Happened During Their Time There
The brothers and Morris executed a planned escape in June 1962 using papier-mâché dummy heads, stolen tools, and a raft built from raincoats. They vanished from their cells and were never found. The U.S. Marshals Service case remains open, and authorities generally conclude they likely drowned in the San Francisco Bay.
