How Long Was Bonnie and Clyde’s Crime Spree?
Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow, two of the most infamous outlaws in American history, embarked on a crime spree that lasted for approximately 18 months, from February 1932 to April 1934. During this period, they robbed banks, gas stations, and stores, killing at least 9 police officers and 4 civilians, and injuring many more.
Early Years of Crime
Before their notorious crime spree, Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow were just ordinary individuals. Bonnie was a 19-year-old waitress, and Clyde was a 21-year-old laborer. However, their lives took a drastic turn when they met in January 1930. Clyde, who was already involved in petty crimes, introduced Bonnie to his criminal lifestyle, and she soon became his partner in crime.
The Crime Spree Begins
In February 1932, Bonnie and Clyde started their crime spree, targeting small-town banks and businesses in Texas and Oklahoma. They used a stolen car, which they modified to make it more suitable for their criminal activities. The couple’s early crimes were relatively minor, but they quickly escalated to more serious offenses, including bank robberies and shootouts with law enforcement.
The Barrow Gang
As Bonnie and Clyde’s criminal reputation grew, they began to attract other outlaws who shared their criminal ideology. The Barrow Gang, as they came to be known, consisted of around 10 members, including Clyde’s brother, Buck Barrow, and his wife, Blanche. The gang’s modus operandi was to target small-town banks and businesses, using intimidation and violence to get what they wanted.
The FBI’s Manhunt
In 1933, the FBI launched a massive manhunt to capture Bonnie and Clyde. The agency’s director, J. Edgar Hoover, personally oversaw the investigation, which involved thousands of agents and dozens of law enforcement agencies. The FBI’s efforts were hampered by the fact that Bonnie and Clyde were able to evade capture for so long, using their criminal network and disguises to stay one step ahead of the law.
The Final Days
In April 1934, Bonnie and Clyde’s crime spree came to an end. The couple was ambushed by a posse of 4 Texas Rangers and 2 highway patrolmen in Bienville Parish, Louisiana. In the ensuing shootout, Bonnie and Clyde were killed, along with their companions, Buck Barrow and Blanche Barrow.
Timeline of Bonnie and Clyde’s Crime Spree
Here is a detailed timeline of Bonnie and Clyde’s crime spree:
| Date | Location | Crime |
|---|---|---|
| February 1932 | Texas | Bank robbery |
| March 1932 | Oklahoma | Gas station robbery |
| April 1932 | Texas | Bank robbery |
| May 1932 | Louisiana | Bank robbery |
| June 1932 | Texas | Gas station robbery |
| July 1932 | Oklahoma | Bank robbery |
| August 1932 | Texas | Bank robbery |
| September 1932 | Louisiana | Gas station robbery |
| October 1932 | Texas | Bank robbery |
| November 1932 | Oklahoma | Gas station robbery |
| December 1932 | Texas | Bank robbery |
| January 1933 | Louisiana | Gas station robbery |
| February 1933 | Texas | Bank robbery |
| March 1933 | Oklahoma | Gas station robbery |
| April 1933 | Texas | Bank robbery |
| May 1933 | Louisiana | Gas station robbery |
| June 1933 | Texas | Bank robbery |
| July 1933 | Oklahoma | Gas station robbery |
| August 1933 | Texas | Bank robbery |
| September 1933 | Louisiana | Gas station robbery |
| October 1933 | Texas | Bank robbery |
| November 1933 | Oklahoma | Gas station robbery |
| December 1933 | Texas | Bank robbery |
| January 1934 | Louisiana | Gas station robbery |
| February 1934 | Texas | Bank robbery |
| March 1934 | Oklahoma | Gas station robbery |
| April 1934 | Louisiana | Ambush and shootout |
Conclusion
Bonnie and Clyde’s crime spree lasted for approximately 18 months, during which they committed numerous crimes and killed at least 13 people. Their criminal activities captured the attention of the nation, and their legend has endured long after their deaths. The FBI’s manhunt, which involved thousands of agents and dozens of law enforcement agencies, was one of the largest and most extensive in American history.
