Is one of the infamous 1962 Alcatraz escapees still alive? Letter sparks debate

It's the stuff of San Francisco legend: Three dangerous, cunning inmates held inside Alcatraz's island fortress dig their way out of prison and are never seen again.

There have long been rumors that one or all of the escapees made it out alive in 1962. But a handwritten letter, reportedly sent to authorities in 2013 but only made public this week, suggests that at least one of the men, John Anglin, may still be out there. Authorities, however, are not convinced.

On June 11, 1962, Frank Morris and brothers Clarence and John Anglin — all bank robbers — carried out a daring, intricate plan to escape Alcatraz. After the prison's last bed check at 9 p.m. that night, they each squeezed through holes they had made in their cement cell walls out of sharpened spoons, leaving plaster and papier-mâché dummy heads in their beds to serve as decoys. The trio absconded into a utility hall behind their cells and climbed their way up to leave through the roof. They used an assemblage of rain coats and inflated life vests in their attempt to sail for the mainland.

No one knows for sure if they made it.

On June 11, 1962, three prisoners escaped from U.S. Penitentiary Alcatraz in San Francisco, using dummies in there cells and other complicated methods. The U.S. Marshals Service to this day continues to have an open case on the escape. less On June 11, 1962, three prisoners escaped from U.S. Penitentiary Alcatraz in San Francisco, using dummies in there cells and other complicated methods. The U.S. Marshals Service to this day continues to have an ... more Photo: U. S. Penitentiary Alcatraz Photo: U. S. Penitentiary Alcatraz Image 1 of / 25 Caption Close Is one of the infamous 1962 Alcatraz escapees still alive? Letter sparks debate 1 / 25 Back to Gallery

However, there have long been mumblings from those who think the prisoners — who would be in their 80s and 90s now — might still be out there. The Anglin family believes the prisoners did complete the trip through wild waves, as they said in 2013. Back then, the family described mysterious Christmas cards and phone calls they had received from, they believe, John Anglin, with one family member adding, "I always believed they made it."

Now, KPIX has made public a letter reportedly sent to a San Francisco Police Department station in the Richmond neighborhood in 2013. KPIX details the contents of the handwritten letter, which is allegedly from John Anglin:

"My name is John Anglin. I escape from Alcatraz in June 1962 with my brother Clarence and Frank Morris. I'm 83 years old and in bad shape. I have cancer. Yes we all made it that night but barely!"

It continues:

"If you announce on TV that I will be promised to first go to jail for no more than a year and get medical attention, I will write back to let you know exactly where I am. This is no joke..."

At the request of the U.S. Marshals, an FBI lab reportedly examined the letter. Results were inconclusive, and the Marshals are skeptical that there's any truth to the letter.

Alyssa Pereira is an SFGATE staff writer. Email her at apereira@sfchronicle.com or find her on Twitter at @alyspereira.

