Paul Geidel American, criminal, record holder for being in prison Date of Birth: 21.04.1894 Country: USA

1. Biography of Paul Geidel
2. Early Life and Criminal Activities
3. Prison Life and Institutionalization
4. Release and Later Life

Biography of Paul Geidel

Paul Geidel, an American convict, is known for holding the record for the longest time spent behind bars. In total, Geidel spent 68 years and 245 days in prison.

Early Life and Criminal Activities

Geidel was born in Hartford, Connecticut. His father was a bar owner and an alcoholic. When Geidel was five years old, he lost his father and came under the care of the American foster care system. At the age of 14, Geidel dropped out of school and worked in hotels in Hartford and New York City. It was during his time as an employee at the 'Iroquois' hotel in New York City that Geidel committed his first crime.

On June 26, 1911, Geidel attempted to rob a 73-year-old broker named William H. Jackson. During the robbery, Geidel strangled his victim. However, the crime did not bring him much wealth as he only took a few dollars before leaving Jackson's room. Geidel was arrested two days later and was sentenced to 20 years in prison for second-degree murder.

Prison Life and Institutionalization

Geidel's first prison was the infamous 'Sing-Sing'. He was a peaceful inmate and could have been eligible for early release due to good behavior. Unfortunately, just before the hearing for his early release, Geidel was declared mentally incompetent and transferred to the Dannemora State Hospital for the Criminal Insane. Geidel spent 46 years in this psychiatric hospital before being transferred to the Fishkill Correctional Facility in 1972. At Fishkill, Geidel was kept in a wing for elderly prisoners, which resembled more of a retirement home than a prison. He managed to build a friendship with the staff, and they even organized occasional outings for him to attend baseball games or enjoy nature.

Release and Later Life

In August 1974, Geidel was granted the long-awaited early release. However, by this time, he had spent three-quarters of his life in captivity and no longer desired freedom. Geidel understood that the world must have changed significantly in 63 years and as an 80-year-old man without a family, home, or profession, he believed there was no place for him in that world. He willingly chose to remain in prison for an additional six years. On May 7, 1980, Geidel finally walked free, but he declined to interact with reporters and soon disappeared from the public eye. It is believed that Geidel spent the rest of his days in a nursing home in Dutchess County.