In this podcast, the hosts discuss the fascinating crime spree of Bonnie and Clyde, including their bleak upbringings, justifications for crime, and their undeniable chemistry. They also explore the rise of car theft, Bonnie and Clyde's early relationship, and their confrontations with the police that led to their final showdown.
Bonnie and Clyde's criminal empire became legendary due to their daring escapes and defiance of authority.
As their fame grew, Bonnie and Clyde became more reckless and violent, resorting to killing law enforcement officers and robbing armories.
The attempt by Bonnie and Clyde to grab attention through their flamboyant actions eventually led to their capture and the death of some gang members.
Deep dives
Bonnie and Clyde: The Rise of Infamous Outlaws
Bonnie and Clyde, a young couple from Dallas, embark on a life of crime, robbing gas stations and grocery stores. They become famous and symbolic figures during the Great Depression. As their fame spreads, Bonnie and Clyde face increasing challenges, constantly on the run and unable to settle anywhere. They are pursued by law enforcement and their daily life becomes more difficult. Despite the dangers and hardships, Bonnie and Clyde remain a committed couple, sticking together through thick and thin.
The Bloody Trail: Violence and Infamy
As Bonnie and Clyde continue their crime spree, they become more reckless and violent. They kill law enforcement officers and rob National Guard armories to obtain powerful weapons. Their fame grows as their faces appear in newspapers and their image as rebellious outlaws captures the public's imagination. Bonnie's severe burns in a car accident further adds to their legend. They struggle to find places to sleep and evade capture while their relationships within the gang become strained.
The Hunt Intensifies: Bonnie and Clyde as Public Enemies
With their images plastered across newspapers, Bonnie and Clyde are on the run, constantly trying to evade law enforcement. They adopt a more nomadic lifestyle, camping out, bathing in streams, and cooking over campfires. The public is captivated by their daring escapes and defiance of authority. However, their notoriety makes it difficult to find places to stay or go out in public. Despite the challenges they face, Bonnie and Clyde remain committed to each other and their life of crime.
Facing the Full Force: The FBI Takes Aim
As Bonnie and Clyde attract more attention, they find themselves on the FBI's radar. J. Edgar Hoover's newly formed FBI is organizing for the first time, although they are not at the top of his priority list. The couple continues their crime spree, but their actions become more desperate and their relationships within the gang begin to unravel. With law enforcement closing in, Bonnie and Clyde must confront the reality that their criminal empire may be coming to an end.
The Notorious Barrow Gang's Attention-Seeking Tactics
The Barrow gang, led by Bonnie and Clyde, went out of their way to draw attention to their criminal activities. They checked into a popular tourist center, constantly had more people coming in and out of their cabins than registered, and backed their car into the garage in a gangster style. They even paid for their accommodations and meals with coins instead of bills. Their attempt to grab attention eventually led to their capture and the death of some gang members.
The Infamous Shootout and Tragic End
After a series of robberies and escapes, Bonnie and Clyde faced their final showdown with the law enforcement. A posse led by Frank Hamer, a former Texas Ranger, ambushed them on a Louisiana road. Clyde took the bait of a broken-down truck and slowed down, giving the officers the opportunity to open fire. Clyde died instantly, while Bonnie suffered multiple gunshot wounds. The car they were in was riddled with over 150 bullets. The couple's bodies became a spectacle, attracting thousands of onlookers and souvenir seekers.
Today we're covering crimes OG power couple, Bonnie and Clyde. Join us as we navigate the wild twists and turns of their crime spree, exploring their bleak upbringings, their justifications for committing crime and the undeniable chemistry that made them legends.
Trigger Warning: This episode contains mention of SA.
Created and produced by Claire Donald and Tess Bellomo For more about Right Answers Mostly including our social media, Premium, merch and more, check us out HERE
