Bonnie Parker

Who Was Bonnie Parker?

Bonnie Parker, one of America’s most infamous outlaws, gained notoriety for her involvement in a series of bank robberies and violent crimes during the 1930s. Her criminal career began after meeting Clyde Barrow in 1930, and together they formed a notorious partnership that would span nearly two years. Alongside their gang, Bonnie and Clyde were responsible for a string of robberies across several states, as well as the deaths of numerous individuals, including law enforcement officers. Their violent crime spree ended on May 23, 1934, when they were ambushed and killed by police in Bienville Parish, Louisiana.

Early Life

Bonnie Elizabeth Parker was born on October 1, 1910, in Rowena, Texas, to Emma and Charles Parker. She had one older brother and a younger sister. At the age of 4, Bonnie’s father passed away, and her mother relocated the family to Cement City, a poor district of Dallas, to live with Bonnie’s grandparents. There, she attended local schools and developed a love for poetry and literature, earning honors for her academic achievements.

Despite her small stature, Bonnie was considered exceptionally attractive, with aspirations of becoming an actress. Her early life showed little indication of the criminal path she would later follow. During her second year of high school, Bonnie became romantically involved with Roy Thornton, a classmate. In September 1926, just days before her 16th birthday, Bonnie married Thornton, and as a symbol of their love, she had their names tattooed on her right thigh. However, their marriage quickly became troubled, with Thornton exhibiting abusive behavior.

Their marriage ultimately dissolved when Thornton was sentenced to five years in prison for robbery in 1929. Bonnie subsequently moved in with her grandmother, and she and Thornton never reunited.

Bonnie and Clyde: A Tale of Love and Crime

Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow’s paths crossed in January 1930 through a mutual acquaintance. At the time, Bonnie, 19, was drawn to the 20-year-old Clyde, a volatile ex-con with a criminal record. After spending considerable time together, their blossoming romance was disrupted when Clyde was arrested and convicted of multiple auto theft charges.

While Clyde served time in prison, his thoughts quickly turned to escape. Deeply in love with Bonnie, who was equally smitten, he shared his heartache with her. Despite her mother’s disapproval, Bonnie smuggled a gun into the prison to aid Clyde’s escape. On March 11, 1930, Clyde used the weapon to break out with his fellow inmates, though they were captured a week later. He was subsequently sentenced to 14 years of hard labor and sent to Eastham State Farm, where he endured repeated assaults by another inmate.

In February 1932, Clyde was released after his mother successfully petitioned for his parole. Just days before his release, Clyde intentionally maimed himself in an accident, hoping to escape Eastham’s brutal conditions. The injury resulted in a permanent limp, and Clyde would later be forced to drive in his socks. Reunited with Bonnie, Clyde resumed his criminal activities, robbing banks and small businesses.

Bonnie, who had joined the gang in April, was arrested during a botched robbery attempt and imprisoned for two months. While awaiting trial, she passed the time writing poetry, much of which reflected her intense relationship with Clyde. One of her poems, “The Trail’s End,” seems to prophetically foreshadow their tragic fate: “Some day they’ll go down together / And they’ll bury them side by side / To few it’ll be grief / to the law a relief / but it’s death for Bonnie and Clyde.”

The Deadly Crime Spree

In June 1932, after a failed attempt to convict Bonnie, who claimed she had been kidnapped by the Barrow gang, she was released and quickly rejoined Clyde. The duo, along with other gang members, continued their crime spree across several states, committing numerous robberies and murders, including the deaths of several law enforcement officers.

In April 1933, after escaping a Missouri apartment, a roll of undeveloped film was found showing the couple in playful, staged poses. The photographs, published by the Joplin Globe, became iconic images of the notorious couple. Later that year, Bonnie was severely injured in a car crash, suffering a leg injury caused by battery acid, which left her debilitated for the rest of her life.

By 1934, the couple’s crimes had escalated, and they were pursued by an extensive law enforcement operation, including the FBI and Texas Ranger Captain Frank Hamer. Despite their extensive criminal record, Bonnie and Clyde managed to evade capture for nearly two years.

The End of the Line

On May 23, 1934, after a police officer was murdered in Commerce, Oklahoma, the Barrow gang was relentlessly pursued. The infamous couple was eventually lured into an ambush on Highway 154 in Louisiana, where they were killed in a hail of bullets. The ambush was orchestrated by Henry Methvin’s father, who sought leniency for his son.

At the time of their deaths, Bonnie and Clyde’s fame had reached such heights that souvenir hunters at the scene attempted to steal locks of their hair, pieces of clothing, and even one of Clyde’s ears. Their bodies were later returned to Dallas, where, despite their wish to be buried side by side, they were interred in separate cemeteries. Thousands attended their funerals, and newspapers issued special editions to mark their passing.

Legacy

Despite the brutal nature of their crimes, Bonnie and Clyde have been widely romanticized in popular culture. Their story has been depicted in numerous films, including the 1967 classic Bonnie and Clyde, starring Faye Dunaway and Warren Beatty, as well as a 2011 Broadway musical and a 2013 TV miniseries starring Holiday Grainger and Emile Hirsch. Their bullet-riddled car is on display at a resort in Las Vegas, serving as a testament to their infamous legacy.

In 2019, the film The Highwayman was released, presenting the story from the perspective of the lawmen tasked with stopping Bonnie and Clyde’s crime spree. Starring Kevin Costner, Woody Harrelson, and Kathy Bates, the film offered a fresh look at the couple’s enduring place in American folklore.