Did Machine Gun Kelly Go to Alcatraz?
Machine Gun Kelly, the notorious American gangster, is often associated with the infamous Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary. However, the answer to the question of whether he actually served time on the island is a resounding NO.
Who was Machine Gun Kelly?
George "Machine Gun Kelly" Barnes was a bank robber and gangster who gained notoriety during the Great Depression. Born in 1895, Kelly began his criminal career in the 1920s, robbing banks and trains across the United States. He was known for his brazen crimes, often targeting banks during the day and using violence to intimidate witnesses.
The Capture and Trial
On July 13, 1933, Kelly was arrested in Memphis, Tennessee, after a high-speed car chase. He was later tried and convicted of kidnapping the son of a wealthy oilman, Charles Urschel, in exchange for a ransom. Kelly was sentenced to life imprisonment without parole.
The Rumor
Despite his conviction and imprisonment, the rumor persisted that Kelly was sent to Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary. This rumor likely originated from the fact that Kelly was transferred to the U.S. Penitentiary in Atlanta, Georgia, in 1936, which was a high-security facility. However, Alcatraz was a separate institution, located on an island in San Francisco Bay, and was notorious for its harsh conditions and escape-proof design.
The Truth
Kelly served his sentence at the U.S. Penitentiary in Atlanta, Georgia, from 1936 until his death in 1954. He was not transferred to Alcatraz at any point during his imprisonment. In fact, Kelly’s prison records and official documents confirm that he was held at the Atlanta facility throughout his incarceration.
Why the Confusion?
So, why did the rumor persist that Machine Gun Kelly was sent to Alcatraz? There are a few possible explanations:
- Mistaken identity: Some sources may have confused Kelly with another notorious gangster, Alvin Karpis, who was actually sent to Alcatraz in 1936. Karpis was a member of the Barker-Karpis gang and was convicted of bank robbery and murder.
- Prison transfers: Kelly was transferred to several prisons during his incarceration, including the federal prison in Leavenworth, Kansas, and the U.S. Penitentiary in Atlanta, Georgia. It’s possible that some sources mistakenly attributed his transfer to Alcatraz.
- Popular culture: The rumor may have been perpetuated by popular culture, such as films and books, that mistakenly depicted Kelly as an Alcatraz inmate.
Table: Machine Gun Kelly’s Prison History
| Prison | Dates | Crime(s) |
|---|---|---|
| U.S. Penitentiary, Atlanta, GA | 1936-1954 | Kidnapping, Bank Robbery |
Conclusion
In conclusion, despite the widespread rumor, Machine Gun Kelly did not serve time on Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary. His prison history is well-documented, and official records confirm that he was held at the U.S. Penitentiary in Atlanta, Georgia, throughout his incarceration. The rumor likely originated from a combination of mistaken identity, prison transfers, and popular culture.
