The Death of John Dillinger 7/22/1934

90-years ago John Dillinger was shot dead

John Dillinger was a notorious American gangster during the Great Depression. He was known for his bank robberies and daring prison escapes. Between 1933 and 1934, Dillinger and his gang committed a series of violent crimes, including robbing over a dozen banks and staging several jailbreaks. There were also multiple law enforcement officers killed along the way. His high-speed car chases, dramatic shootouts, and his ability to elude capture, made him a folk hero to some and Public Enemy No. 1 to the FBI.

The Set Up

John Dillinger was set up at the Biograph Theater in Chicago through the efforts of a woman named Ana Cumpanas, also known as Anna Sage or “the Woman in Red.” Cumpanas was a Romanian immigrant and a brothel owner facing deportation. She made a deal with the FBI, offering to help them capture Dillinger in exchange for assistance with her immigration status.

On the evening of July 22nd, 1934, Cumpanas, along with Dillinger and his girlfriend Polly Hamilton, went to see the movie “Manhattan Melodrama” at the Biograph Theater. Cumpanas had informed the FBI of their plans, and federal agents, led by Melvin Purvis, were waiting outside the theater.

As Dillinger exited the theater around 10:30 PM, Cumpanas, who was wearing an orange dress that appeared red under the theater lights, signaled the agents by walking alongside him. Recognizing Dillinger, the agents attempted to arrest him. Dillinger tried to flee and reportedly reached for a weapon, prompting the agents to open fire. He was shot multiple times and was pronounced dead shortly after.

Ending Dillinger’s notorious criminal career

A Public Spectacle

John Dillinger’s death became a public spectacle due to a combination of his infamous reputation, the intense media coverage surrounding his criminal activities, and the dramatic circumstances of his demise.

The press closely followed Dillinger’s exploits, and his death was highly anticipated. Newspapers and radio broadcasts provided extensive coverage of his crimes and the manhunt, ensuring that any developments in his story drew significant public attention.

Post-Mortem

After his death, large crowds gathered at the scene and at the morgue to view his body. Photographs of his lifeless body were widely circulated in the media, further fueling public interest and curiosity.

On the Silver Screen

The 2009 film “Public Enemies,” directed by Michael Mann and starring Johnny Depp as John Dillinger, aims to depict the final years of Dillinger’s life and his clashes with the FBI. While the movie is based on historical events, it takes some creative liberties for dramatic purposes.