Where is Machine Gun Kelly Buried?
The Tragic Life and Untimely Death of Charles Lindbergh’s Archenemy
Machine Gun Kelly, whose real name was George Barnes, was an American gangster who was notorious for his daring bank robberies and feuds with law enforcement during the early 20th century. He was shot and killed by FBI agents on July 17, 1954, and his remains were buried at a small cemetery in Lansing, Kansas. But is that the whole story? Let’s dive deeper and explore the life and untimely death of Machine Gun Kelly.
A Life of Crime
George Barnes was born on June 18, 1895, in Memphis, Tennessee. He grew up to be a small-time criminal, with a string of arrests for petty theft and assault. However, he gained notoriety when he committed a series of daring bank robberies throughout the United States, including the famous Bank of Santa Monica in California.
The Charles Lindbergh Kidnapping Connection
Machine Gun Kelly’s most infamous heist was the kidnapping of Charles Lindbergh’s 20-month-old son, Charles Augustus Lindbergh Jr., on March 1, 1932. The abduction was one of the most sensational crimes of the century, and Kelly’s connection to it was significant.
Kelly, who was acting on behalf of Bruno Hauptmann, the man who kidnapped and murdered the Lindbergh baby, demanded a ransom from the Lindbergh family. The police investigation into the kidnapping and murder led to Kelly’s eventual arrest and conviction on October 29, 1935.
FBI Surveillance and the Raid
In the years following his arrest, Kelly spent 27 years in various prisons and federal institutions, including the infamous Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary. During this time, the FBI kept close tabs on him, watching his every move and preparing for his eventual release.
On July 17, 1954, FBI agents arrested Kelly at the Corpus Christi, Texas, hotel where he was staying under an assumed identity. When Kelly resisted arrest, he was shot by the FBI agents and left in critical condition. Kelly died later that day due to internal bleeding caused by the shooting.
Final Resting Place
According to the FBI, Kelly’s remains were buried in the Prairie City Cemetery, Lansing, Kansas, in a simple grave without a headstone [1]. However, recent research has revealed that there may be more to Kelly’s burial than initially meets the eye.
Doubts and Controversy
Some researchers believe that Kelly’s remains were not buried in Lansing, Kansas, and that his true resting place remains a mystery [2]. There have been reports of strange occurrences at the Prairie City Cemetery, including unmarked graves and mysterious visitors in the dead of night. Could these be signs of a more sinister plot? The truth remains elusive.
Summary of Machine Gun Kelly’s Life and Death
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Born | June 18, 1895 |
| Kidnaps Lindbergh baby’s ransom demand | March 1, 1932 |
| Arrested and convicted of kidnapping | October 29, 1935 |
| Spends 27 years in prison and federal institutions | 1935-1954 |
| Arrested and killed by FBI agents | July 17, 1954 |
Conclusion
Machine Gun Kelly’s life was a tale of violence, crime, and greed. From his early bank robberies to his role in the Lindbergh kidnapping, Kelly’s reign of terror left a lasting impact on American history. While we may never know the true resting place of Machine Gun Kelly, it is clear that his legacy as a notorious criminal continues to fascinate and haunt us to this day.
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