Woman Breaks Boyfriend Out of Prison Using Helicopter in 1988

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In the summer of 1988, Beverly Shoemaker orchestrated a plan to break her boyfriend Daniel Mahoney out of a high-security prison near Santa Fe, New Mexico using a helicopter. Mahoney was serving an extensive sentence for violent crimes and had been moved to higher security prisons multiple times due to his trouble-causing behavior. Shoemaker's daring jailbreak attempt quickly spiraled out of control, drawing in other inmates and triggering a high-stakes response on the ground and in the air.

Why it matters

This case highlights the lengths some will go to for love, even resorting to illegal and dangerous methods like a helicopter prison break. It also raises questions about prison security, inmate rehabilitation, and the challenges faced by those with loved ones incarcerated for lengthy sentences.

The details

Shoemaker rented a helicopter and flew it to the prison, where she lowered a rope ladder for Mahoney and several other inmates to climb aboard. The escape attempt quickly descended into chaos, with guards opening fire on the helicopter. Shoemaker and Mahoney were both eventually apprehended and charged for the incident.

• In the summer of 1988, Shoemaker orchestrated the prison break plan.
• The helicopter escape attempt took place at a high-security prison near Santa Fe, New Mexico.

What they’re saying

What’s next

Shoemaker and Mahoney were both arrested and charged for the failed prison break attempt. They will likely face lengthy additional sentences for their roles in the incident.