February 24, 1907 - Alvin 'Creepy' Karpis
Canadian-American criminal who was the last 'Public Enemy Number One' designated by the FBI during the 1930s. As leader of the Barker-Karpis gang, he committed kidnappings, robberies, and murders across the Midwest. He served 26 years on Alcatraz, the longest sentence served there.
From Wikipedia
Alvin Francis Karpis (born Albin Francis Karpavičius; August 10, 1907 – August 26, 1979) was a Canadian–American criminal of Lithuanian descent known for being a leader of the Barker–Karpis Gang in the 1930s. Nicknamed "Creepy" for his sinister smile and called "Ray" by his gang members, Karpis led the gang along with Fred Barker and Arthur "Doc" Barker. There were only four "public enemies" ever given the title of "Public Enemy #1" by the FBI and he was the only one to be taken alive. The other three, John Dillinger, Pretty Boy Floyd, and Baby Face Nelson, were all killed before they could be captured. He also spent the longest time as a federal prisoner at Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary, serving twenty-six years.
Further reading
- Hunt for the Last Public Enemy in Northeastern Ohio, The: Alvin "Creepy" Karpis and his Road to Alcatraz
Traces Karpis's criminal record and his repeated use of northeastern Ohio as a hideout during his Depression-era run from the law.
View on Amazon → - Alvin Karpis and the Barker Gang in Minnesota
Chronicles how the Karpis-Barker Gang used Minnesota as their base while committing kidnappings, bank robberies, and payroll heists across the Midwest.
View on Amazon → - On the Rock
Karpis himself recounts life inside Alcatraz, where he served time for kidnapping during one of America's longest federal prison sentences.
View on Amazon →
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