March 24, 1909, 114 years ago, the infamous outlaw Clyde Barrow was born in Telico, Texas. Though he lived a short and violent life, Barrow’s name lives on in infamy as one of the most notorious criminals of the 20th century. One of the most interesting periods of Barrow’s life was the time he spent in Arkansas, where he committed some of his most heinous crimes.
Barrow’s criminal career began in his youth, when he began stealing cars and committing small-time burglaries. However, it wasn’t until he met his partner-in-crime, Bonnie Parker, that his criminal activity escalated to new heights. Together, the two went on a crime spree that spanned several states, including Arkansas.
In Arkansas, Barrow and Parker committed a number of crimes, including robberies, murders, and kidnappings. Perhaps their most infamous crime in the state was the murder of Arkansas Highway Patrolman H.D. Murphy, which took place on April 1, 1934. Murphy had pulled over Barrow’s car, and a shootout ensued that resulted in Murphy’s death.
Barrow’s time in Arkansas was marked by a number of close calls with the law. In addition to the Murphy murder, Barrow and Parker were involved in several other shootouts with police in the state. However, they managed to evade capture time and time again, thanks to their quick thinking and cunning.
Despite his notoriety, Barrow had a certain charm that made him a folk hero to some. He was known for his good looks, his flashy cars, and his daring escapes from the law. However, his crimes were undeniably brutal, and he left a trail of victims in his wake.
Barrow’s life came to an end on May 23, 1934, when he and Parker were ambushed by law enforcement officers near Black Lake, Louisiana. Both were killed in the shootout that followed, putting an end to their reign of terror.
