After nine years of evading justice, the Barker brothers, Lee and Dell, finally found themselves behind bars at the Michigan City prison. The brothers had been convicted of illegal transportation of liquor back in 1926, under a now-repealed Indiana prohibition law. Judge James A. Collins had sentenced them to time, but their appeal to the Indiana Supreme Court in 1930 had affirmed Lee’s conviction, leaving him to serve his sentence at Leavenworth Federal prison. However, it seems that Lee’s stay at the federal prison was cut short, as he was arrested in Indianapolis on October 16, but strangely, no detainer warrants were filed to hold him for the Marion County Criminal Court.
A search of the records revealed that Lee Barker was released from federal custody, only to be arrested again on April 1, 1935, at 8:08 p.m. The police survey conducted by The Indianapolis Times reveals a pattern of evasive behavior by the Barker brothers. Their latest arrest marks the culmination of a long and winding chase, with the authorities finally closing in on the brothers.
The petition for executive clemency filed on behalf of Lee Barker by Frank P. Baker, likely a well-connected individual, highlights the efforts made by those close to the brothers to secure their release. The statement, dated Christmas Day 1934, read: ‘We have been unable to locate this man to sentence him or rather to commit him.’ This statement raises more questions than answers, as it seems that the Barker brothers were able to exploit loopholes in the justice system to evade their responsibilities.
Despite their latest arrest, the Barker brothers’ case remains shrouded in mystery. The lack of detainer warrants and the subsequent release from federal custody raise suspicions about the handling of their case. As the brothers begin their sentence at the Michigan City prison, the public is left to wonder how they managed to evade justice for so long.
The Indianapolis police, however, seem to have finally closed the book on the Barker brothers’ escapades. The brothers’ latest arrest marks the end of a long and intricate dance between the authorities and those who sought to avoid accountability. As the Barker brothers begin their time behind bars, the city of Indianapolis can finally breathe a sigh of relief, knowing that justice has been served.
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Key Facts
- State: Indiana
- Category: Organized Crime
- Era: Historical
- Source: Library of Congress — Chronicling America ↗
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