The Howard Hall Murder: Clyde Barrow in Sherman, Texas

A robbery occurred at a suburban grocery store in Sherman, Texas, on October 11, 1932. The store was located at the intersection of Wells Avenue and Vaden Street. The victim was Howard Hall, a 55-year-old clerk employed at the establishment.

According to the newspaper account, Hall and his colleague Homer Glaze were preparing to close the store for the evening. At that moment, an unmasked robber entered. After Glaze placed a dollar bill in the cash register, the perpetrator drew a pistol and threatened Glaze. He proceeded to take approximately $60 from the drawer.

Howard Hall made the decision to protest the robbery. This prompted the assailant to physically assault him, striking him on the head. As the robber attempted to exit the premises, he struck Hall a second time. The situation then escalated dramatically. The newspaper reports that the robber became “incensed” and searched through Hall’s blood to locate the victim’s hand. The perpetrator then fired four shots, three of which struck Hall. He subsequently attempted to shoot Glaze as well. However, his weapon failed to discharge.

The assailant fled on foot. Witnesses – described as “a group of small boys” – informed police that they observed him entering a black sedan. In it, two accomplices were waiting. This detail aligns with the known operational pattern of the Barrow Gang. It suggests Bonnie Parker and another associate were likely the accomplices.

Howard Hall was transported to a hospital but succumbed to his injuries shortly thereafter. Witnesses described the shooter as “a small man of light complexion, between 21 and 25 years old.” This description is consistent with Clyde Barrow’s appearance at that time.

This murder represents a significant example of the Barrow Gang’s escalating violence during their 1932 crime spree. The incident demonstrates several important aspects of their criminal behavior. These include the targeting of small businesses and the rapid escalation to lethal violence when faced with resistance. The presence of accomplices waiting in a getaway vehicle is also notable.