The Millionaire Bandits: John and Mabel Carrol
Crimehub: A True Crime Podcast
Deep Dive
Why were John and Mabel Carroll known as the 'Millionaire Bandits'?
John and Mabel Carroll were known as the 'Millionaire Bandits' due to their extensive criminal activities, including stealing thousands of dollars in jewelry, cash, and money orders, as well as their clever cons targeting wealthy individuals.
What was the key role of Mabel Carroll in their criminal activities?
Mabel was the brains behind the couple's operations, identifying wealthy targets for their cons and robberies, while John executed the plans with confidence and boldness.
How did John Carroll manage to escape from Leavenworth Prison?
John Carroll escaped by convincing an assistant foreman, Charles Thompson, to help him. He hid inside a modified packing crate that was shipped out of the prison, then freed himself once delivered to Thompson's boarding house.
What was the motive behind John Carroll's daring prison break?
John broke out of prison to rescue his wife, Mabel, who was suffering from tuberculosis and was in danger of dying in the Women's Reformatory at Leeds, Missouri.
How did the Carrolls manage to evade capture after their prison break?
After escaping, the Carrolls went on a crime spree, committing daring burglaries and cons across the Midwest and East Coast, earning them renewed notoriety as the 'Millionaire Bandits'.
What happened to John Carroll after his second arrest?
John Carroll was sent back to Leavenworth, but due to his history of escapes, he was eventually transferred to Alcatraz, considered a nearly escape-proof prison.
What was the significance of the 1928 silent film 'The Last Hour' in relation to the Carrolls?
The film, also known as 'The Man Who Came Back,' was inspired by John Carroll's daring prison break to rescue his wife, Mabel, and their subsequent crime spree, bringing their story to a wider audience.
How did the Carrolls' criminal activities compare to other famous criminals of the 1920s?
While the Carrolls were not as violent as other criminals like Al Capone or Bonnie and Clyde, their clever cons and daring heists made them notorious during the Jazz Age, though their story faded over time.
- John and Mabel Carroll's criminal exploits began in the 19th century.
- They were known for their daring heists and cons.
- Their notoriety led to the nickname "Millionaire Bandits."
- They were apprehended and sentenced to seven years in federal prison in 1926.
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