About this episode

The episode discusses the Barker-Karpis gang's first high-profile kidnapping in 1933, initiated by Ma Barker after a series of violent robberies and murders.

When two violent robberies lead to three murders and a loss of a gang member, Ma Barker begins to wonder if there might be a better way to make money. Along comes a nightclub owner in St. Paul with an idea to kidnap the president of a bank, and he convinces the Barker-Karpis gang to embark on the first high-profile kidnapping of 1933. Thanks to our sponsor, Quince! Use this link for Free Shipping and 365-day returns: Quince.com/infamousamerica Thanks to our sponsor, Mood! For 20% off of your first order, use the promo code INFAMOUS at Mood.com Join Black Barrel+ for ad-free episodes and bingeable seasons: blackbarrel.supportingcast.fm/join   Apple users join Black Barrel+ for ad-free episodes, bingeable seasons and bonus episodes. Click the Black Barrel+ banner on Apple to get started with a 3-day free trial.   On YouTube, subscribe to INFAMOUS+ for ad-free episodes and bingeable seasons: hit “Join” on the Legends YouTube homepage.   For more details, please visit www.blackbarrelmedia.com or @blackbarrelmedia on Instagram. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sponsors

Quince, Mood

More episodes of Infamous America

• BARKER GANG Ep. 6 | “Out of Time” · August 19, 2026 · 37 min
• BARKER GANG Ep. 4 | “99 Problems” · August 5, 2026 · 33 min
• BARKER GANG Ep. 3 | “I Shot The Sheriff” · July 29, 2026 · 34 min
• BARKER GANG Ep. 2 | “Barker Bonnie and Clyde” · July 22, 2026 · 33 min

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