The Longest Escape

1923 Leonard Fristoe and two other inmates accompanied Warden Tom Slater in the warden’s car on a trip to Reno. Left unattended by the warden, Fristoe walked away.

An Escape that lasted 45 years

Leonard Fristoe

He was not heard from again until 1968, when he was arrested in California after a domestic disturbance and returned to NSP. His escape lasted for 45 years. This was the longest escape and recapture in U.S. history until 2015. In May 1970, Fristoe received a pardon and was released based upon the split vote of the Pardons Board.

PHOTO: Fristoe returns to NSP, 1968