Theodore Cole and Ralph Roe: The True Crime Story and Key Facts
Theodore Cole and Ralph Roe: American prisoners, who disappeared during an escape attempt from Alcatraz. The documented story, timeline and key facts of the case.
Theodore Cole and Ralph Roe were Oklahoma bank robbers who took part in the second escape attempt from Alcatraz in 1937. They departed the island by jumping into the San Francisco Bay to an uncertain fate. Although officials were quick to conclude they likely drowned in the frigid waters, the fact the inmates got off Alcatraz and their bodies were never found, made the incident the first to challenge Alcatraz's reputation as an "escape-proof" prison.
Why the case is remembered
The Theodore Cole and Ralph Roe story remains one of the most discussed entries in true-crime history, covered in documentaries, podcasts and books. The summary above follows the publicly documented record.
Text adapted from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0). Facts reflect the documented public record.
Frequently asked questions
Who is Theodore Cole and Ralph Roe?
Theodore Cole and Ralph Roe were Oklahoma bank robbers who took part in the second escape attempt from Alcatraz in 1937. They departed the island by jumping into the San Francisco Bay to an uncertain fate.
Why is the Theodore Cole and Ralph Roe case famous?
It is one of the most documented bank robber cases, widely covered by true-crime media.
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