True Crime Philadelphia: A Look Back At Philly Bootleggers, Kidnappers, Mobsters And Murderers

A reader wrote and asked me about Chicago gangster Al Capone and his year in a Philadelphia prison. I responded to the reader, offering the basic information about Capone’s eight-month incarceration in 1929-1930 at Eastern State Penitentiary. 

I've visited the prison, now a museum, and noted that the wealthy criminal lived in relative luxury while incarcerated. His cell had oriental rugs, fine furniture and a cabinet radio (see bottom photo). 

I also suggested that the reader check out Kathryn Canavan’s True Crime Philadelphia: From America’s First Bank Robbery To the Real-Life Killers Who Inspired Boardwalk Empire. 

I interviewed Kathryn Canavan about her outstanding book in two of my Philadelphia Weekly Crime Beat columns. 

You can read the columns below:

True Crime Philadelphia: A Look Back At Philly Bootleggers, Kidnappers, Mobsters And Murderers

A reader recently wrote and asked me about Chicago gangster Al Capone and his year in a Philadelphia prison. I responded to the reader, offering the basic information about Capone’s eight-month incarceration in 1929-1930 at Eastern State Penitentiary. 

I've visited the prison, now a museum, and noted that the wealthy criminal lived in relative luxury while incarcerated. His cell had oriental rugs, fine furniture and a cabinet radio (see bottom photo). 

I also suggested that the reader check out Kathryn Canavan’s True Crime Philadelphia: From America’s First Bank Robbery To the Real-Life Killers Who Inspired Boardwalk Empire. 

I interviewed Kathryn Canavan about her outstanding book in two of my Philadelphia Weekly Crime Beat columns. 

You can read the columns below:

Note: You can click on all of the above to enlarge.

Arsenic Widows, Kidnappers, Bank Robbers And Mass Murders: My Philadelphia Weekly Crime Beat Column On Early True Crime In Philadelphia

Philadelphia Weekly published my Crime Beat column on early true crime in Philadelphia.

You can read the column via the below link or pages:

Kidnappers, robbers and murderers - Philadelphia Weekly

You can click on the above and below to enlarge.