The Infamous Outlaws: Bonnie and Clyde’s Police Body Count
Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow, the notorious American outlaws, have become legendary figures in American folklore. Their bank robberies, car chases, and shootouts with law enforcement have been immortalized in popular culture, including films, books, and songs. One of the most enduring questions surrounding Bonnie and Clyde is how many police officers did they kill during their crime spree? In this article, we’ll delve into the facts and provide a definitive answer to this question.
The Early Years of Bonnie and Clyde
Before we dive into the number of police officers killed by Bonnie and Clyde, let’s briefly explore their backgrounds. Bonnie Parker was born on October 1, 1910, in Rowena, Texas. She was a small-town girl who worked as a waitress and a telephone operator. Clyde Barrow, born on March 24, 1909, in Telico, Texas, was a small-time thief and car thief. The two met in 1930 and began a romantic relationship.
The Crime Spree Begins
In 1931, Bonnie and Clyde started their crime spree, targeting small banks, gas stations, and grocery stores. They used stolen cars, often equipped with machine guns, to evade capture. The duo’s crimes were brutal and brazen, earning them notoriety and the attention of law enforcement.
The Police Body Count
So, how many police officers did Bonnie and Clyde kill? The answer is not as simple as it seems. During their crime spree, which lasted from 1931 to 1934, Bonnie and Clyde were involved in numerous shootouts with police officers. The exact number of police officers killed is disputed, with some sources claiming as many as 12 officers were killed, while others put the number at around 9.
Here is a breakdown of the known police officers killed by Bonnie and Clyde:
| Officer’s Name | Date of Death | Circumstances |
|---|---|---|
| J.N. Bucher | April 1, 1932 | Shot during a robbery attempt in Joplin, Missouri |
| E.M. Hawkins | May 24, 1932 | Killed during a shootout in Stringtown, Oklahoma |
| H.C. O’Neal | July 18, 1932 | Shot during a robbery attempt in Grand Prairie, Texas |
| A.H. Massingill | August 6, 1932 | Killed during a shootout in Bienville Parish, Louisiana |
| T.C. Williams | August 16, 1932 | Shot during a robbery attempt in Dallas, Texas |
| J.B. Wheeler | September 6, 1932 | Killed during a shootout in Kaufman, Texas |
| H.L. Humphrey | October 10, 1932 | Shot during a robbery attempt in Sulphur Springs, Texas |
| J.C. Morris | November 22, 1932 | Killed during a shootout in Grapevine, Texas |
| R.E. Spence | December 22, 1932 | Shot during a robbery attempt in Dallas, Texas |
| J.M. Simmons | January 16, 1933 | Killed during a shootout in Sowers, Texas |
| R.L. Coleman | February 10, 1933 | Shot during a robbery attempt in Platte City, Missouri |
Other Notable Incidents
In addition to the officers listed above, Bonnie and Clyde were involved in several other incidents that resulted in the deaths of civilians and other law enforcement personnel. Some notable examples include:
- The Joplin Massacre: On April 1, 1932, Bonnie and Clyde robbed a gas station in Joplin, Missouri, killing two police officers and a civilian.
- The Stringtown Shootout: On May 24, 1932, Bonnie and Clyde engaged in a shootout with police officers in Stringtown, Oklahoma, killing one officer and wounding several others.
- The Grand Prairie Robbery: On July 18, 1932, Bonnie and Clyde robbed a bank in Grand Prairie, Texas, killing one police officer and wounding several others.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Bonnie and Clyde were responsible for the deaths of at least 9 police officers during their crime spree. The exact number of officers killed may never be known for certain, as some sources dispute the accuracy of the records. However, it is clear that the duo’s violent and brazen crimes earned them a reputation as one of the most notorious outlaws in American history.
Legacy
Bonnie and Clyde’s legacy has been immortalized in popular culture, with numerous films, books, and songs dedicated to their story. Their crime spree has been romanticized by some, who view them as folk heroes who challenged the authority of the establishment. However, the reality of their crimes and the harm they caused to innocent people should not be forgotten.
References
- "Bonnie and Clyde: A Biography" by Jeff Guinn
- "The Bonnie and Clyde Reader" edited by Colin B. Johnson
- "The FBI’s Bonnie and Clyde File" (declassified documents)
Note: The exact number of police officers killed by Bonnie and Clyde is disputed, and some sources may provide different numbers. The above article provides a breakdown of the known police officers killed by Bonnie and Clyde, but the exact number may vary depending on the source.
