The Ghosts of Alcatraz Island

Ghosts of Alcatraz Island - Page 2

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Five of the remaining six cells in D-Block were known as Strip Cells, but were more often referred to as the "Hole.” Reserved for the most serious offenders of prison rules, these cells were located on the bottom tier, the coldest place in the prison and contained only a sink, a toilet and low wattage light bulb that could be turned off by the guards. The prisoner’s mattresses were taken away during the day and they were not allowed at any time in the yard or showers, or given reading materials. Inmates could be sentenced to as many as 19 days in the hole, completely isolated and in a state of constant boredom.

The last Strip Cell, known as the "Oriental,” was the most severe punishment the prison could assign. Assuring complete depravation of all peripheral senses, the dark steel encased cell contained no sink or toilet, just a small hole in the floor for prisoner waste.

A cell in the "Hole," July, 2009, Kathy Weiser.

Inmates were placed naked in the cell, given a restricted diet, and confined in a totally pitch-black, cold environment. Although a sleeping mattress was allowed at night, it was removed at dawn each morning. Inmates were usually only subject to this degree of punishment for only 1-2 days.

A former guard who worked at the prison in the 1940’s reported that guards often saw the ghostly presence of a man dressed in late 1800’s prison attire was often seen walking the hallway next to the Strip Cells. On one occasion, when an inmate was locked in "the Hole,’ he immediately began to scream that someone with glowing eyes was in there with him. The 19th century spectral prisoner had become so much of a practical joke among the guards, that the convict’s cries of being "attacked” were ignored.

The inmate’s screams continued well into the night, when they were suddenly replaced by total silence. The following morning, when the guards inspected the cell, the convict was found dead with a terrible expression on his face and noticeable hand-prints around his throat. The autopsy revealed that the strangulation was not self-inflicted.

At the time, many believed the inmate was strangled by a guard who had finally had enough of the inmate’s screaming. Though an investigation was made no one ever admitted to the strangling. Most believed that the prisoner was killed by the restless, evil spirit of the nineteenth century prisoner who was so often seen wandering the corridors. Adding to the mystery, when the guards line up the convicts for a daily count, one too many convicts were in the line-up. At the end of the row, appeared the recently strangled convict. As everyone, guards and prisoners alike, looked on in stunned silence, the ghostly figure vanished.

Today’s visitors and staff often report cold spots within the hallways of D-Block, as well sudden intense feelings. Cells and 12 and 14 D are the most active. Cell 14-D, is often reported to be almost 20 degrees colder than the rest of the cells on the block and numerous psychics have felt emotionally charged impressions in the corners of the cells where punished prisoners were known to have crouched and suffered. These cells are so eerie, that it is said that some park rangers refuse to go there alone.

Overlooking the Recreation Yard, July, 2009, Kathy Weiser.

When authors Richard Winer and Nancy Osborn, authors of the book Haunted Houses, made a trip to Alcatraz, they also felt eerie feelings in cell 14-D. When the pair, along with a park ranger, entered the cell, they all felt strong vibrations and tingling sensations in their hands and arms. Convinced that something or someone was there with them, Osborn stated that she had never felt so much psychic energy in one spot.

Co-author of the book Haunted Alcatraz, Michael Kouri, also has described receiving psychic impressions when he visited cell 14-D. Also experiencing tingling sensations, he also tells of "seeing” and small man with his head shaved who "told” of being beaten, his legs broken by guards, and left in solitary confinement.

On another occasion when renowned ghost hunter Richard Senate and a psychic spent the night on Alcatraz, Senate locked himself in cell 12-D, where an evil spirit is said to make his home. As the steel door was closed, the ghost hunter felt icy fingers wrap around his neck, while the psychic experienced visions of the bodies of twisted and dismembered men.

In Cellblock C, many believe that the utility passageway where convicts Bernard Coy, Joseph Cretzer, and Marvin Hubbard were killed during their escape attempt in 1946 is haunted. Loud, clanging noises are often heard, but stop when the door is opened, only to resume again once it is closed. Others have reported seeing the apparitions of men wearing fatigues and hearing disembodied voices at the site of the riot that left the three prisoners dead

The laundry room in Cellblock C is also said to hold an unseen presence. When a CBS news team brought in celebrity psychic Sylvia Brown, along with ex-convict Leon Thompson, Sylvia immediately encountered the unseen presence, as well as strong impressions of violence in the Laundry Room. As she describing a tall man, with a bald head and small beady eyes, Leon Thompson, the ex-convict moved forward, stating: "I remember Butcher. He was a hit man with Murder Incorporated before they caught him. His name was Abie Maldowitz but we called him Butcher. Another prisoner killed him here in the laundry room.” Prison records confirmed that Maldowitz was killed by another inmate in the laundry area of Cellblock C.

Alcatraz Hospital Room In the old hospital ward, park personnel have often heard voices as well as the screams of inmates who were often secured to a table until they were calmed down. Voices are also heard in the old mess-hall.

When Al Capone was imprisoned at Alcatraz he was assigned to a cell located on the outside west end of Cellblock B. Though the gangster was never allowed a musical instrument or a radio, many have reported the sound of a phantom banjo strumming within his cell.

In 1992, Alcatraz was featured on the popular television program Sightings, where several of the Park Service staff confirmed the haunted history of the prison. Among the stories told by staff were unexplainable crashing sounds, running footsteps, unearthly screams, cell doors that mysteriously closed of their own accord, moans, chains rattling, and the constant feelings of being watched.

Alcatraz Administration Building, July, 2009, Kathy Weiser.

Also See: Alcatraz History

Sightings also enlisted the help of psychic investigator, Peter James, to get his impressions as he walked through the prison. James soon described hearing the voices of men who had been driven mad, and experiences of abuse, fear and pain.

The tales of ghostly hauntings upon Alcatraz Island have become so frequent that the legends have become as popular as the island’s long history. Seemingly, the paranormal prison is destined to live up to its popular nickname of "Hellcatraz."

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