The Public Enemy Era

Bonnie and Clyde and the Barrow Gang

Outlaws, robbers and criminals they stole the hearts of the public. Clyde Barrow and Bonnie Parker met January 1930 and are said to have fallen instantly for each other. Bonnie followed Clyde wherever he went, not engaging in the acts but accompanying him. Though they are remembered for robbing banks, they prefered to rob smaller gas stations and grocery stores. Clyde's reasoning behind his illegal acts is said to be revenge against the Texas Department of Corrections for abuses during his incarceration.

Bonnie and Clyde met their end on May 23, 1934 on a road near Bienville Parish, Louisiana. They were gunned down by Texas officers and Louisianna officers, without wharning or a chance to surrender.

"Baby Face" Nelson

Lester Nelson, known as "baby face" for his youthful appearance, was a deadly bank robber with a short temper and hatred of law enforcement officers. He met up with John Dillinger in 1934 and joined him as part of "the second Dillinger gang" robbing banks and engaging in multiple shootouts with FBI and other officers of the law. After Dillinger's death on July 22, 1934 Nelson became Public Enemy No.1. He later died from wounds sustained durring the Battle of Barrington shootout which included a car chase and shootout. Upon his death the FBI placed a "death order" out on Nelson's widow, making her the first female "public enemy".