Did AL Capone Die in Prison? Who Was Al Capone? How Did He Die?
by Rubaditsha
Updated May 22, 2023
Who Was Al Capone?
Alphonse Gabriel Capone, commonly known as "Scarface," was a notorious American gangster and businessman who gained infamy during the Prohibition era as the co-founder and leader of the Chicago Outfit. Born in 1899 to Italian immigrants in New York City, Capone's criminal career began when he joined the Five Points Gang as a teenager and worked as a bouncer in illicit establishments such as brothels.
In his early twenties, Capone relocated to Chicago and became a trusted aide and bodyguard to Johnny Torrio, the head of a criminal syndicate involved in illegal alcohol distribution. Torrio's organization, which would later become the Chicago Outfit, enjoyed political protection through the Unione Siciliana. Capone's ascension to power was facilitated by a conflict with the North Side Gang. After surviving an assassination attempt by North Side gunmen, Torrio retired, passing the reins to Capone.
Capone's control over the bootlegging business expanded through increasingly violent methods, but his influential relationships with Mayor William Hale Thompson and the Chicago Police Department seemed to shield him from law enforcement scrutiny. Capone relished the attention he received and reveled in public spectacles, such as attending baseball games where he would be cheered by spectators. He also made charitable donations, leading some to view him as a modern-day Robin Hood.
However, Capone's image took a severe blow with the infamous Saint Valentine's Day Massacre. During this incident, seven rival gang members were brutally murdered in broad daylight, tarnishing Chicago's reputation and Capone's standing. Influential citizens demanded government intervention, and the media dubbed Capone "Public Enemy No. 1."
Federal authorities became determined to bring Capone to justice and charged him with twenty-two counts of tax evasion. In 1931, he was convicted on five counts. During the highly publicized trial, the judge allowed Capone's own admissions of his income and unpaid taxes to be used as evidence. These admissions had been made during earlier negotiations with the government to settle his tax debts. Capone was sentenced to eleven years in federal prison.
After his conviction, Capone replaced his defense team with experts in tax law, and his grounds for appeal were bolstered by a Supreme Court ruling. However, his appeal ultimately failed. While serving his sentence, Capone displayed symptoms of neurosyphilis and experienced a decline in his health. After almost eight years of incarceration, he was released. Sadly, on January 25, 1947, Capone passed away from cardiac arrest following a stroke.
Al Capone's life was characterized by his rise to power as a crime boss, his charismatic public persona, his involvement in illegal activities, and his eventual downfall due to charges of tax evasion. His story remains one of the most infamous in American criminal history.
Did Al Capone Die in Prison?
No, Al Capone did not die in prison. After being diagnosed with paresis, a late-stage complication of syphilis, while serving his sentence in Alcatraz prison, Capone's health began to decline. However, he was released from prison in November 1939. Following his release, Capone was admitted to a mental hospital in Baltimore to receive treatment for his deteriorating condition.
After his time in the mental hospital, Capone retired to his estate in Florida, where he spent the remainder of his life. It was there that he ultimately met his end. On January 25, 1947, Capone passed away at his residence in Florida due to a cardiac arrest, which was a complication of his advanced syphilis condition. Therefore, Al Capone did not die in prison but rather died at his home in Florida after being released from Alcatraz and receiving treatment in a mental hospital.
How Did Al Capone Die?
Al Capone died as a result of a cardiac arrest. His deteriorating health began during his time in Alcatraz prison, where he developed paresis, a late-stage complication of syphilis. After serving his sentence, Capone was released from prison in November 1939. Following his release, he was admitted to a mental hospital in Baltimore to receive treatment for his declining condition. However, despite medical intervention, Capone's health continued to worsen. Eventually, he retired to his estate in Florida.
On January 25, 1947, Capone passed away at his home in Florida. The cause of his death was attributed to a cardiac arrest, which occurred as a complication of his advanced syphilis condition. The long-term effects of syphilis on his central nervous system likely contributed to his deteriorating health, ultimately leading to the cardiac arrest that claimed his life.
Al Capone Prison Sentence
Al Capone's prison sentence resulted from his conviction on charges of tax evasion. In 1931, after a highly publicized trial, Capone was found guilty on five counts related to his failure to pay taxes. The judge admitted as evidence Capone's own admissions of his income and unpaid taxes, which had been made during unsuccessful negotiations with the government.
As a consequence of his conviction, Capone received a significant punishment: an eleven-year prison sentence. This lengthy term was considered one of the harshest sentences ever handed down for tax evasion at that time. Capone's sentence reflected the severity of his crimes and aimed to deter others involved in similar illegal activities.
The prison sentence marked a turning point in Capone's life, as he transitioned from being a notorious crime boss to an inmate. It signified the end of his reign as a prominent figure in the criminal underworld and brought him face to face with the consequences of his actions. Capone's time behind bars had a profound impact on him. During his incarceration, he faced health issues related to neurosyphilis, which led to a decline in his physical and mental well-being. After almost eight years in prison, Capone was released early due to his deteriorating health.
The prison sentence served by Al Capone underscores the significance of his criminal activities and the efforts of law enforcement to bring him to justice. It also serves as a reminder of the consequences individuals may face when engaging in illegal behavior, even those who were once considered untouchable figures of power and influence.
What Prison Did Al Capone Go to?
Al Capone served his prison sentence in various institutions. Initially, after being convicted on charges of income tax evasion, Capone began serving his sentence in 1932. He spent the first couple of years in the Atlanta U.S. Penitentiary, followed by a transfer to the Lincoln Heights Jail. However, in 1934, Capone was moved to a more infamous and secure prison: Alcatraz.
Located off the coast of San Francisco, Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary was established as a maximum-security facility. Capone was among the first prisoners to be transferred to Alcatraz, where he continued to serve his sentence. Alcatraz became known for its strict security measures and the confinement of notorious criminals. Capone's presence in Alcatraz further added to the prison's notoriety. Despite his earlier time served in other institutions, Alcatraz is often associated with Capone due to its reputation and the significance of his transfer there in 1934.
When Did Al Capone Go to Prison?
Al Capone's journey through various prisons began in 1932. After being convicted primarily on charges of income tax evasion, Capone commenced his prison sentence in that same year. He was initially sent to the Atlanta U.S. Penitentiary, where he spent the first few years of his incarceration. Following his time in Atlanta, Capone was transferred to the Lincoln Heights Jail, continuing to serve his sentence.
However, in 1934, a significant shift occurred in his imprisonment. Capone was among the first group of prisoners to be transferred to the newly established Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary, located off the coast of San Francisco. Therefore, Al Capone's prison journey began in 1932 with his initial confinement in the Atlanta U.S. Penitentiary, followed by a transfer to the Lincoln Heights Jail. His ultimate destination was Alcatraz in 1934, where he would spend a significant portion of his sentence.
How Long Did Al Capone Spend in Prison?
Al Capone spent a considerable amount of time in prison as a result of his conviction for income tax evasion. After being sentenced in 1931, Capone began serving his term in 1932. His prison journey consisted of several locations. Initially, Capone spent a few years in the Atlanta U.S. Penitentiary, followed by a transfer to the Lincoln Heights Jail.
However, the most well-known portion of his sentence was served at Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary, where he was one of the first prisoners to be transferred in 1934. In total, Capone's prison sentence lasted approximately eleven years. He completed the first portion of his sentence in Atlanta and Lincoln Heights before being transferred to Alcatraz.
It's worth noting that Capone's time in Alcatraz was not for the entire duration of his sentence but rather a significant part of it.Therefore, considering the period from his initial imprisonment in 1932 to his eventual release, Al Capone spent around eleven years incarcerated, with a portion of that time being served in Alcatraz, one of the most renowned and secure prisons in the United States.
Did Al Capone Die in Prison - FAQs
Al Capone was sentenced to prison for tax evasion. He was convicted on five counts related to his failure to pay taxes.
Al Capone was sentenced to prison in 1931 after a highly publicized trial.
Al Capone's prison sentence was eleven years in duration, which was considered a particularly severe punishment for tax evasion at the time.
Al Capone's own admissions of his income and unpaid taxes, made during prior negotiations with the government, were admitted as evidence and contributed to his conviction.