The duo of Bonnie and Clyde are without a doubt two of the most well-known criminals in American history. Their crimes were committed between 1931- 1935 and they have been responsible for around 12 bank robberies, 13 murders and untold number of hold-ups.
Background of Bonnie and Clyde
Bonnie was born Bonnie Elizabeth Parker on 1st October 1910 to a family in Rowena, Texas. Bonnie suffered upset at four years old when her father passed away, this led to the family moving to Dallas to a life of extreme poverty. Against all odds Bonnie excelled in school and was both charming and attractive young girl. She married a man called Roy Thornton in 1926 when she was only 15, however the marriage did not last and they separated permanently in 1929. The divorce was never sought. In 1930, whilst a friend’s house, she first set eyes on the man who would be her partner in crime -Clyde Barrow.
Clyde Chestnut Barrow was born on 24 March 1909 in Ellis County, Texas. He was born into a very poor family and he was a child number 5 out of 7. He had already ventured into crime after being arrested for car theft in 1926. By the time he met Bonnie in 1930 he had been responsible for a large number of robberies in and around the Dallas area.
After first meeting Bonnie Clyde was arrested for one of his offences and sent to prison. By this time Bonnie was deeply in love with Clyde and she conspired with him to smuggle a gun into the prison so that Clyde could escape. This was successful however Clyde went on to commit more crimes and was returned to prison shortly after.
Clyde was released from prison in February of 1932, but rather than go straight he seemed to be even more determined to live a life of crime. The one vital difference now however was that Bonnie was his partner in crime. The first crime they committed together – the theft of a car led to Bonnie being captured and going to jail before being released in June of 1932.
