Original Air Date: 4/17/20
Leavenworth Penitentiary in Kansas was once home to some of the most notorious criminals in America, including Carl Panzram, Robert “the Birdman” Stroud, Frank Nitti and George “Machine Gun” Kelly. Part of its history includes one of the most exciting prison breaks in U.S. history, when the “Leavenworth Seven” kidnapped Warden Tom in December of 1931 White and busted out, only to face one wild obstacle after another.
My guest, Kenneth LaMaster, is not only a Leavenworth prison historian but a former correctional officer of the institution. He offers some background history on Leavenworth, tells the tale of the breakout, and even shares stories of his own personal brushes with infamous federal criminals while working there. His book is called “Leavenworth Seven: The Deadly 1931 Prison Break”.
Buy the book here.
Hello, I was wondering if you have any contact information for Kenneth LaMaster? I was wondering if he had any information about William Hales time at Leavenworth, and/or mugshots or documents pertaining to him or any of the others involved in the Osage saga.
Hi Jeremiah. You can reach him at kennethlamaster@yahoo.com . Sounds like you’ve got some interesting research going on.
thanks for the great shows. I love your interview Style,
Jim Young
Appreciate it, Jim. Thank you for listening!