PRISONS: The Diggers

Ten convicts who tunneled out of Washington's Walla Walla State Penitentiary last week wanted more than mere freedom; by painstaking organization they had prepared to enter society as flawlessly documented citizens.

By this week nine of them were caught, each carrying a tidy briefcase containing credentials produced in the prison print shop. There were papers identifying the men as full-fledged officials of the Washington state prison system and well-written letters of reference, one ostensibly signed by State Institutions Director Dr. Thomas Harris. There were draft cards, business cards, drivers' licenses, birth...

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!