Prison Break is a thrilling TV series that aired from 2005 to 2009, with later seasons continuing the story. The show follows the story of two brothers, Michael Scofield and Lincoln Burrows. Lincoln is wrongly accused of a crime and sentenced to death. Michael, an engineer, purposely gets himself imprisoned to help his brother escape.
Throughout the series, Michael meets many inmates with interesting backgrounds. One of these characters is Charles Westmoreland, who is believed to be the real DB Cooper. This article explores who DB Cooper is, who Charles Westmoreland is, and how the two are connected in Prison Break.
Who Was DB Cooper in Real Life?
Before diving into the show, it’s important to understand who DB Cooper was in real life. On November 24, 1971, a man using the name Dan Cooper hijacked a Northwest Orient Airlines flight. He claimed to have a bomb and demanded $200,000 in cash, along with four parachutes. After getting what he asked for, he jumped out of the plane mid-flight and disappeared. He was never caught, and the mystery of DB Cooper remains unsolved.
The story of DB Cooper has fascinated people for decades. Many theories have been suggested about his identity and what happened to him. Some believe he died during the jump, while others think he survived and lived a secret life. The case became one of America’s greatest unsolved mysteries.
Charles Westmoreland: The Man Behind the Legend
In Prison Break, Charles Westmoreland is an older inmate serving time at Fox River State Penitentiary. He is quiet, calm, and seems like a model prisoner. Most of the inmates see him as a harmless old man. But some believe he is much more than he appears.
Westmoreland is suspected by some prisoners to be DB Cooper, the man who stole $5 million and vanished. At first, he denies this rumor. However, as the story unfolds, it becomes clear that he is hiding something big.
Clues Pointing to Westmoreland as DB Cooper
Throughout season one of Prison Break, the show drops several clues that hint at Westmoreland’s true identity.
His Quiet and Mysterious Nature
Westmoreland keeps to himself and avoids trouble. He seems to be hiding from his past. This fits the profile of someone who is trying to live under a new identity.
The Amount of Money
In real life, DB Cooper stole $200,000. But in Prison Break, it is said that the stolen amount was $5 million. This change might have been made for dramatic effect. Still, the connection is clear. Westmoreland is believed to have hidden the money in Utah, far from where he was arrested.
His Cat and Sentimental Side
Westmoreland has a cat named Marilyn, which he loves dearly. His affection for his pet shows that he has a human side, despite his criminal past. It also makes him more sympathetic to viewers. A man who takes care of a cat doesn’t seem like a hardened criminal, which adds to the mystery.
The Confirmation
Later in the season, Westmoreland finally admits he is DB Cooper. He confesses this to Michael Scofield and the others planning the prison break. He reveals that he still knows where the money is hidden and agrees to help them escape, offering the money as an incentive.
Why Did He Do It?
The show never fully explains Westmoreland’s reasons for hijacking the plane. However, it suggests that he did it for his family. He wanted to provide a better life for them. Over time, things didn’t go as planned, and he ended up in prison. The money remained hidden, untouched.
Westmoreland’s story adds emotional depth to his character. He isn’t just a thief. He is a man with regrets, holding onto a past he can never change.
His Role in the Prison Break
Once Westmoreland reveals his secret, he becomes an important part of Michael’s escape plan. He uses his experience and knowledge to help the group. He also offers the hidden money as a reason for others to join the escape.
Sadly, Westmoreland is injured during the escape attempt. He gets into a fight with a prison guard and is badly hurt. Knowing he won’t make it, he gives Michael the details about where the money is hidden. He asks Michael to find the money and use it wisely.
His death is one of the most emotional moments in the series. Viewers feel the weight of his past and the pain of a man who carried a secret for so long.
The Impact of His Story
Charles Westmoreland, as DB Cooper, adds mystery and history to Prison Break. His story connects the show to a real-life legend. It also shows how even the most quiet and gentle people can have deep secrets.
Westmoreland’s character reminds viewers that people are complex. He may have been a criminal, but he also had a heart. He cared for his daughter and his cat. He tried to make things right, even in his final moments.
Conclusion
In Prison Break, Charles Westmoreland is revealed to be the legendary DB Cooper. His story adds depth and intrigue to the show. Through his character, the series explores themes of regret, redemption, and the secrets people keep.
The mystery of DB Cooper continues to capture imaginations, both in real life and in fiction. Prison Break gives a creative twist to the tale, offering a version of the story where DB Cooper lived out his days in prison, quietly holding onto a massive secret.
Westmoreland’s journey reminds us that everyone has a past, and sometimes the most unbelievable stories are hiding in plain sight.
