George “Machine Gun” Kelly Barnes (1895-1954) was an American gangster and bank robber during the Prohibition era. He was born on July 18, 1895, in Memphis, Tennessee, United States.
Machine Gun Kelly gained notoriety for his involvement in various criminal activities, including bootlegging, kidnapping, and armed robbery. He earned the nickname “Machine Gun” due to his fondness for using Thompson submachine guns during his crimes, although it’s worth noting that he was not as prolific or deadly as some other notorious gangsters of the time.
One of the most infamous incidents associated with Machine Gun Kelly is the kidnapping of oil tycoon Charles F. Urschel in 1933. Urschel was held captive for several days before a ransom of $200,000 was paid for his release. The case gained significant media attention and led to the arrest and subsequent conviction of Kelly and his accomplices.
In 1933, Machine Gun Kelly was sentenced to life imprisonment at the United States Penitentiary in Leavenworth, Kansas, for the kidnapping of Charles Urschel. While in prison, he maintained a relatively low profile and was not involved in any further criminal activities.
Machine Gun Kelly’s reputation as a ruthless gangster was largely fueled by sensationalized media coverage. Despite his nickname and his involvement in high-profile crimes, his criminal career was relatively short-lived, spanning only a few years. In contrast to the glamorous image portrayed in popular culture, Kelly was not considered one of the most powerful or influential gangsters of his time.
George “Machine Gun” Kelly Barnes died of a heart attack on July 18, 1954, while incarcerated at the United States Penitentiary in Leavenworth, Kansas. His criminal exploits and his nickname continue to be part of American gangster lore, representing the era of organized crime and lawlessness during the Prohibition era.
