The Gangster and the Ghost

When Al Capone was imprisoned at Eastern State Penitentiary in 1929, guards reported hearing him screaming at night, begging “Jimmy” to leave him alone. Capone claimed to be haunted by James Clark, killed in the St. Valentine’s Day Massacre he ordered.

The Prisoner

Al Capone:

• America’s most famous gangster
• Chicago crime boss
• Arrested for carrying concealed weapon
• Sentenced to one year
• 1929-1930

The Crime

Why he was there:

• Concealed weapon charge
• Philadelphia arrest
• Quick trial
• Sent to Eastern State
• First imprisonment

His Cell

Special accommodations:

• Lavishly decorated
• Oriental rugs
• Fine furniture
• Oil paintings
• Radio cabinet

The Massacre

Background:

• St. Valentine’s Day 1929
• Seven men killed
• Capone’s rivals
• James Clark among dead
• Capone ordered it

James Clark

The victim:

• Bugs Moran’s brother-in-law
• Killed in massacre
• One of seven victims
• Haunted Capone allegedly
• Seeking revenge

The Haunting

Guards reported:

• Capone screaming
• Late at night
• “Jimmy, get out!”
• Begging for mercy
• Genuine terror

The Torment

What Capone experienced:

• Saw Clark’s ghost
• In his cell
• Relentless presence
• Psychological torture
• Couldn’t escape

Guard Accounts

Staff witnessed:

• His terror
• Screaming fits
• Pleading with air
• Visible distress
• Real fear

Psychology vs. Paranormal

Two interpretations:

• Guilty conscience
• Actual haunting
• Mental breakdown
• Supernatural revenge
• Both possible

Later Life

After prison:

• Claimed haunting continued
• Until his death
• 1947 died
• Never escaped Jimmy
• Lifelong torment

The Cell Today

Eastern State now:

• Historic site
• Cell preserved
• Tour highlight
• Ghost stories told
• Popular stop

Other Eastern State Ghosts

Also reported:

• Cellblock 12 activity
• Death row spirits
• Guard apparitions
• Many hauntings
• Very active site

Significance

Famous gangster’s documented psychological torment, possibly supernatural revenge for ordered murders.

Legacy

Capone’s haunting suggests that even the most powerful criminals cannot escape justice—if not in this world, then perhaps from beyond it.