Talk with Charles Makley

Charles Makley, also known as "Fat Charley," was a notorious American criminal, born in 1889, primarily known for his association with the John Dillinger gang. He was involved in a number of bank robberies alongside John Dillinger, Homer Van Meter, and others in the early 1930s during the Great Depression era.

Makley's criminal activities placed him squarely in the public eye during a time when bank robbers were often sensationalized in the media. Like many of his contemporaries in the Dillinger gang, his life of crime eventually led to his downfall. Makley was captured along with other gang members and faced trial.

In September 1934, while attempting to escape from the Ohio Penitentiary in Columbus, Ohio, Charles Makley was shot and killed by prison guards. His death marked the end of his criminal activities and served as a brutal reminder of the fates often met by prolific criminals of the period.

Charles Makley is most notably linked to the bank robbery in Greencastle, Indiana, as part of the John Dillinger gang. This robbery, which occurred on October 23, 1933, involved Dillinger, Makley, and other gang members. They managed to steal a significant amount of money and this event was marked by its boldness and precision, characteristics that were hallmarks of the Dillinger gang's activities during that era. This robbery contributed to the notorious reputations of those involved, including Charles Makley.

Charles Makley, known for his association with the infamous John Dillinger gang, turned to a life of crime influenced by various factors. His early life in St. Marys, Ohio, was relatively unremarkable, but as he grew older, he faced several personal and economic challenges. The economic conditions of the early 20th century, including the Great Depression, created a harsh environment where many struggled financially. These conditions often led individuals to desperate measures.

Makley began his criminal activities with petty offenses and gradually escalated to more serious crimes. His involvement with John Dillinger and other gang members in bank robberies during the 1930s was a significant part of his criminal career. The allure of quick money, the influence of peers, and perhaps a disillusionment with conventional means of earning a living in a depressed economy might have contributed to his deeper involvement in crime.

Charles Makley, born on November 23, 1889, in St. Marys, Ohio, had a relatively obscure early life before he became involved in criminal activities. His initial years appeared to be unremarkable, typical of an early 20th century Midwestern upbringing. There isn’t a significant amount of detailed public information available about his family background or his experiences during his childhood and adolescence. However, it is later in life that his actions became more documented, notably when he became associated with the notorious John Dillinger gang.

Charles Makley was involved in one famous prison escape attempt. This occurred on September 22, 1934, from the Ohio State Penitentiary. However, the attempt was unsuccessful; Makley and his accomplice Harry Pierpont were both killed during the escape attempt while trying to shoot their way out.

Charles Makley was most famously associated with John Dillinger as a member of the Dillinger Gang. This notorious group in the early 1930s included several criminals such as Harry Pierpont, Homer Van Meter, Russell Clark, and others. Together, they were involved in a series of bank robberies, shootings, and escapes from law enforcement across various states, establishing their reputation during the Public Enemy era of American history.

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