Notorious bank robber and member of John Dillinger's gang, known for his violent temper and involvement in the infamous shootout at Little Bohemia.
Meet Lester Joseph Gillis, better known as Baby Face Nelson, the notorious American bank robber who rose to infamy in the 1930s as a criminal partner of John Dillinger. With a reputation for violence and brutality, Nelson earned the distinction of killing more FBI agents than any other criminal, cementing his status as Public Enemy Number One.
Born on December 6, 1908, in Chicago, Illinois, to Flemish Belgian immigrants, Nelson's life took a dramatic turn at the age of 12 when he was arrested for accidentally shooting a playmate in the jaw with a found pistol. This incident led to a year-long sentence in a state reformatory, marking the beginning of his criminal career.
Upon his release, Nelson fell in with a group of young tire thieves, known as "strippers," who operated out of a Standard Oil station in his neighborhood. It was here that he met his future wife, Helen Wawrzyniak, and became acquainted with local criminals, including members of the suburban-based Touhy Gang. Nelson's involvement with the Touhy Gang led to his participation in organized crime, particularly armed robbery.
Nelson's criminal exploits gained momentum with his involvement in a string of bank robberies, including the infamous 1930 heist at the home of magazine executive Charles M. Richter. The brutality and cunning exhibited during these robberies earned Nelson a reputation as a ruthless and feared criminal.
In 1933, Nelson helped Dillinger escape from prison in Crown Point, Indiana, solidifying their notorious partnership. The FBI, led by J. Edgar Hoover, launched a massive manhunt, dubbed the "War on Crime," to capture the duo and their gang. Nelson's notoriety reached new heights, with the FBI declaring him and his gang Public Enemy Number One.
On November 27, 1934, Nelson's criminal career came to a bloody end in the Battle of Barrington, a suburb of Chicago. FBI agents fatally wounded Nelson in a shootout, bringing an end to his reign of terror.
Baby Face Nelson's violent criminal exploits left an indelible mark on American history, earning him a place alongside the likes of Al Capone and Bonnie and Clyde. His notoriety continues to fascinate and horrify, serving as a cautionary tale about the dangers of organized crime.
Remember, the story of Baby Face Nelson serves as a haunting reminder of the darker side of American history, a testament to the enduring power of crime and violence to captivate and repel us.
Born in 1903
Notorious bank robber and gang leader during the Great Depression, known for his brazen crimes and charismatic persona. 82
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Notorious outlaw and poet, known for her criminal exploits with Clyde Barrow during the Great Depression, romanticized in folklore and popular culture.
Born in 1909
Notorious outlaw and bank robber during the Great Depression, known for his reckless crimes and romanticized media portrayal.
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Notorious bank robber and folk hero of the Great Depression era, known for his charismatic personality and Robin Hood-like exploits, stealing from the rich and giving to the poor.
36 Years Old
Rapper, singer, songwriter, and actor known for blending hip-hop with punk rock and starring in films like "Bird Box" and "The Dirt". He's a genre-bending artist with a strong online presence.
