12 Shocking Facts About Bonnie and Clyde That Will Make You Look Twice
Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow are two of the most infamous criminals in American history. During their crime spree in the early 1930s, the couple and their gang left an indelible mark on the Midwest and Southern United States. While their gruesome deaths are widely remembered, there are many lesser-known facts about their lives that offer deeper insight into their humanity and notorious legacy. Here are 12 fascinating facts about Bonnie and Clyde that will leave you intrigued.
1. They Kidnapped the Man Who Later Embalmed Them
In April 1933, Bonnie, Clyde, and their gang stole a car in Ruston, Louisiana, from undertaker H. Dillard Darby. After chasing the gang, Darby and his friend Sophia Stone were kidnapped by the duo. Bonnie even joked with Darby, asking if he would embalm them when they died. Ironically, Darby later assisted with their embalming after they were killed in 1934.
2. A Car Accident Left Bonnie Gravely Injured
In 1933, Clyde’s car accident near Wellington, Texas, exposed Bonnie’s leg to acid from the battery. Her burns were so severe that bone was visible, leaving her permanently crippled. Despite local residents urging them to seek medical help, they refused and barely escaped when law enforcement arrived.
3. Clyde Lost Two Toes in Prison
While imprisoned at Eastman Prison in Texas in 1932, Clyde cut off two toes to avoid hard labor. The injury left him with a lifelong limp. Unbeknownst to him, his parole was approved just six days later.
4. Bonnie and Clyde Weren’t Buried Together
Despite their wish to be buried side by side, Bonnie’s family refused. Bonnie rests in Crown Hill Cemetery, while Clyde is buried nine miles away in Western Heights Cemetery next to his brother. Family members continue to advocate for their reunion.
5. Bonnie Died Holding a Sandwich
When ambushed by law enforcement on May 23, 1934, Bonnie was found with half a sandwich in her hand. The couple had just picked up food in Gibsland, Louisiana, before being fatally gunned down by officers.
6. Preparing Their Bodies Was Challenging
After their deaths, Bonnie and Clyde’s bullet-riddled bodies posed a challenge for undertakers. Reports suggest Bonnie had up to 26 bullet wounds, while Clyde had 17. Thousands of people gathered to see their bodies, and undertakers even used embalming fluid to deter the crowds.
7. Bonnie Was Still Married to Someone Else
Though romantically involved with Clyde, Bonnie was legally married to her high school sweetheart, Roy Thornton. They married when she was 15, but the relationship ended when Thornton was imprisoned in 1929. Bonnie never divorced him and wore her wedding ring until her death.
8. They Preferred Robbing Small Businesses Over Banks
While they’re famous for robbing banks, Bonnie and Clyde often targeted smaller businesses like grocery stores and gas stations. These were less risky and often easier to access. The gang also stole coins from gumball machines and looted armories for weapons.
9. Bonnie Was a Poet, and Clyde Was a Musician
Bonnie expressed herself through poetry, writing works like “The Story of Bonnie and Clyde,” which foreshadowed their tragic end. Clyde, on the other hand, was a talented musician who played the guitar and saxophone.
10. Souvenirs of Their Bodies Were in High Demand
When news of their deaths broke, people flocked to the crime scene. Some tried to take locks of Bonnie’s hair, parts of her dress, or even Clyde’s ear. Memorabilia associated with the pair remains valuable, with items fetching high prices at auctions even today.
11. Their Crimes Were a Family Affair
The Barrow Gang included Clyde’s brother, Buck, and Buck’s wife, Blanche. Though Blanche didn’t use guns, she was heavily involved. After Buck’s death in 1933, Clyde’s mother also played a role in supporting the couple’s activities.
12. Bonnie Didn’t Smoke Cigars
One of the most famous photos of Bonnie shows her holding a gun and a cigar, but the cigar was actually a prop belonging to an associate. Bonnie was a cigarette smoker, but the image fueled her outlaw persona and glamorized their lives.
The Legacy of Bonnie and Clyde
Bonnie and Clyde remain cultural icons, their lives immortalized in literature, film, and folklore. These fascinating facts reveal their humanity and the darker realities behind the myth. From poetic musings to tragic ends, their story continues to captivate audiences worldwide.