James “Tex” Lucas – Bank Robber & Car Thief
The annals of American crime are replete with figures whose exploits, though reprehensible, have etched themselves into the collective memory. Among these is James C. “Tex” Lucas, a man whose name became synonymous with bank robbery, grand theft auto, and ultimately, a failed escape from the infamous Alcatraz Island prison in California. His story is a compelling blend of audacious criminality, prison violence, and the relentless pursuit of freedom, albeit through illicit means.
From Texas to Alcatraz: A Life of Crime
James C. “Tex” Lucas, forever branded with the nickname “Tex” reflecting his origins, embarked on a criminal career that would eventually lead him to the most secure prison in the United States. His initial crimes centered around bank robbery and the interstate trafficking of stolen vehicles, serious offenses that garnered him a hefty sentence of 30 years imprisonment. It was in January 1935 that he arrived at Alcatraz, fresh from the Texas State Prison, ready to face the daunting reality of life within the forbidding walls of “The Rock.”
Upon entering Alcatraz, Lucas was quickly identified by his past deeds. Inmates and guards alike knew him as “Texas Bank Robber” Lucas, a constant reminder of the crimes that had landed him in this isolated penal colony. This label, however, was only a prelude to the notoriety he would soon gain within the prison’s confines, forever solidifying his place in Alcatraz lore.
Confrontation with Capone: A Laundry Room Stabbing
Perhaps the most infamous incident involving James “Tex” Lucas occurred on June 23, 1936, when he attacked none other than Al Capone, the notorious Chicago gangster, in the prison’s laundry room. The laundry room was a place where inmates worked together, and even a big criminal as Capone, had to fulfill the duties like other inmates. While Capone was diligently performing his assigned tasks, approximately ten feet away from Lucas, the Texas bank robber seized an opportunity to inflict harm. Using a pair of shears pilfered from the prison barbershop, James “Tex” Lucas lunged at Capone, stabbing him in the back.
The attack was swift and unexpected, but Capone, despite his surprise, was not defenseless. He retaliated with a powerful punch to Lucas’s jaw, a desperate attempt to fend off the assault. The commotion quickly drew the attention of the prison guards, who intervened and separated the two combatants. Capone, though injured, was able to walk to the prison hospital for treatment. Remarkably, he was back to his regular duties at Alcatraz Prison the following day.
The consequences for James “Tex” Lucas were severe. He was immediately placed in solitary confinement, a form of punishment that isolated him from the rest of the prison population. This incident cemented his reputation as a volatile and unpredictable figure within Alcatraz, willing to confront even the most powerful and feared inmates.
The 1938 Escape Attempt: A Desperate Bid for Freedom
Undeterred by his previous brush with infamy and the harsh realities of Alcatraz, James “Tex” Lucas began to formulate a daring escape plan in the spring of 1938. He found willing accomplices in Whitney Franklin, another former bank robber, and Thomas Limmerick, a kidnapper. Together, they meticulously planned their audacious bid for freedom, carefully considering every detail and potential obstacle.
Their plan was enacted on May 23, 1938. The first step involved overpowering a custodial worker named Royal Cline. Lucas, Franklin, and Limmerick ambushed Cline, striking him over the head with a hammer and rendering him unconscious. With Cline incapacitated, they proceeded to the roof of the prison, where they hoped to gain access to the outside world.
However, their escape attempt was quickly thwarted. An armed guard on the roof spotted the three men and opened fire, shooting both Franklin and Limmerick. The sound of gunfire alerted other guards, who quickly converged on the scene, effectively cornering James “Tex” Lucas. The escape attempt had failed, and the consequences would be dire.
The Aftermath: Death and Further Imprisonment
The aftermath of the failed escape was tragic. Royal Cline, the custodial worker who had been brutally attacked, succumbed to his injuries the following day, dying from the severe head trauma he had sustained. Thomas Limmerick, who had been shot in the head during the escape attempt, also died. Whitney Franklin, who had been shot in the shoulder, survived.
James “Tex” Lucas and Rufus Franklin were subsequently tried for the murder of Royal Cline. The trial resulted in a conviction, and both men were sentenced to life imprisonment, adding to their already lengthy sentences. The failed escape had not only cost lives but had also sealed the fate of Lucas and Franklin, ensuring that they would spend the remainder of their days behind bars.
Legacy: A Cautionary Tale
The story of James “Tex” Lucas serves as a cautionary tale, highlighting the futility of crime and the consequences of violence. His life, marked by bank robbery, car theft, and ultimately, a failed escape from Alcatraz, is a testament to the destructive path of a life of crime. His confrontation with Al Capone and his role in the death of Royal Cline further solidified his place in the annals of American crime history, a legacy of infamy and regret. While some may find a twisted sense of admiration in his audacity, the true lesson lies in the recognition that a life of crime ultimately leads to suffering, imprisonment, and a tragic end.
The name of James “Tex” Lucas is forever intertwined with the history of Alcatraz, a reminder of the desperate measures some individuals will take in the pursuit of freedom, even if it means resorting to violence and risking everything. His story is a dark chapter in the history of American crime, a testament to the allure and the devastating consequences of a life lived outside the law.