Don Wildman Searches for Answers at Alcatraz
More than 50 years after it happened, Don Wildman heads to San Francisco to dig deep into the evidence and unearth the real story behind the notorious escape from Alcatraz. From flying in a seaplane high above San Francisco Bay to paddling a raft through crashing waves, Don is on a mission to examine the world's greatest prison break from every conceivable angle.
Alcatraz
Don Wildman is on a mission to uncover what really happened to the three convicts who escaped from “the Rock” – aka Alcatraz.
Alcatraz
On June 12, 1962, Frank Morris, Clarence Anglin and John Anglin, escaped from San Francisco’s infamous maximum security prison.
Alcatraz
The prison, which once housed Al Capone, might’ve been considered escape-proof. A total of 36 inmates attempted to breakout of the fortress, but only 3 men with several handmade tools and a makeshift raft were the ones that succeeded. Did they die in their attempt to flee? Or did they make it to freedom?
Alcatraz
The fate of the prisoners remains unknown, but the breakout led to a massive manhunt. The investigation is still ongoing more than 50 years later.
San Francisco Bay
Don straps on his scuba gear as he prepares to attempt to recreate the journey Morris and the Anglin brothers would’ve taken after successfully breaking out of Alcatraz.
San Francisco Bay
Deadly currents and rough winds would’ve made the trip dangerous in a boat, let alone a raft – something Don and his pals discover the hard way.
In the Workshop
Don takes his quest outside the water and into the workshop. He tries to build the same prison drill the three men constructed using the motor of a vintage vacuum – well, vintage to us. Needless to say, it doesn’t go quite as planned.
Point Reyes National Seashore
Traveling by motorcycle to Point Reyes National Seashore, Don learns of a body of an unknown man which washed ashore 9 months after the breakout. Some speculated the body could be Morris, but only DNA could prove for certain.
Meeting Todd Disotell
Don heads to the lab to meet with Todd Disotell, a forensic specialist and professor at New York University. Disotell runs a DNA sample taken from a descendant of Morris to determine if it’s a match to the unknown remains.
Alcatraz
There have been rumored sightings of the three men over the years, with the Anglin brother’s sister, Marie Anglin, believing they’re definitely out there somewhere.
Don Wildman
Don’s search for the truth takes him from one side of the country to the other – San Francisco, CA to Colquitt, GA. Care to join the ride? Tune in Jan 5 at 9|8c!