How My Rope Escape Challenge Unraveled a Chilling Murder Plot And Caught The Killer.
Michael Griffin Greatest Living Escape Artist is shown tied up with 100' of rope in NYC by the man with the World's largest biceps.
What started as a daring escape challenge turned into a real-life crime thriller when a dangerous man took the stage…
There are moments in life when the stage becomes more than just a place for entertainment—it turns into a crime scene, a battleground, or in this case, the trap that led to a murderer’s capture.
For years, I’ve made a living defying the odds, escaping from handcuffs, straitjackets, ropes, and even the occasional death trap. But nothing prepared me for the night when my own escape challenge would help police catch a killer.
It Started Like Any Other Show…
As an escape artist, I’ve spent my life challenging audiences with an offer: $1,000 cash to anyone who can tie me up in a way that I can’t escape. It’s a spectacle that has drawn thousands, from eager fans to those who’ve had one too many drinks and a need to prove their dominance.
This particular night, I was booked for a performance at a mall. My ex-wife, always keen on vetting my challengers, approached me with a warning: “Mike, this guy is seriously weird. Stay away from him.”
Weird? That’s nothing new. But this guy was different. He didn’t just want to tie me up—he loved rope. And when I asked if he had ever tied up someone before, his answer was chillingly casual:
“Oh yes, I like to tie up people.”
A Rope Challenge Turns Sinister
The moment the challenge began, I knew something was off. This man didn’t hesitate. Unlike most challengers who fumbled with knots, he was precise, methodical, and dangerously efficient.
He had brought his own rope.
Before I could fully process the situation, I found myself tied in a way I had never been before—so tight, so calculated, that I could barely breathe. My vision blurred. My head spun. This wasn’t a game to him.
That’s when I noticed them. Two sheriff’s deputies standing on stage, watching closely. They weren’t part of the show.
A Killer’s Signature Move
As I struggled, I heard the crowd cheer, but something inside me knew this was different. I pushed myself harder than ever, barely escaping before passing out.
The moment I broke free, one of the officers rushed up to me, his face serious. “How do you know this guy? Have you worked with him before?”
I was confused. The man who had tied me up had disappeared.
Then came the gut punch. The officer leaned in and whispered:
“A couple of years ago, three young women were found tied up the exact same way you were—stuffed in car trunks. We think this guy might be the one who did it.”
A Twisted Fate—And an Arrest
The suspect ran, but the officers followed. One month later, I got a call from the sheriff’s department.
“We got him.”
Turns out, my challenge had lured out a killer—a man who couldn’t resist the opportunity to show off his deadly skills one more time. The way he tied me up was exactly how he had bound his victims. That night, his ego led to his downfall.
The Strangest Chapter in My Career
I’ve escaped from some of the most dangerous situations imaginable, but this was the closest I’ve ever come to real danger.
That night, the thrill of the escape wasn’t about applause or a paycheck—it was about survival. And in the end, my escape challenge helped put a murderer behind bars.