Edna Murray – The Kissing Bandit
The annals of American crime are replete with figures shrouded in mystique and notoriety, individuals who carved their names into the tapestry of the Depression Era with daring exploits and captivating personas. Among these figures, Edna "Rabbits" Murray stands out, a woman whose life was a whirlwind of bank robberies, daring escapes, and whispered tales of affection amidst the chaos. Popularly known as the "Kissing Bandit" by the press, Edna Murray was more than just a romanticized outlaw; she was a complex character navigating the treacherous landscape of the 1930s underworld.
A Criminal Partnership Forged in Hard Times
The story of Edna Murray is inextricably linked to that of Volney Davis, her partner in crime and paramour. During the early years of the Great Depression, when economic hardship gripped the nation, Edna Murray and Davis embarked on a series of bank robberies. These heists, fueled by desperation and a thirst for illicit wealth, quickly caught the attention of law enforcement and the public alike. While Davis orchestrated the meticulous planning and execution of their crimes, Edna Murray’s role was equally significant, earning her the moniker "Rabbits" within criminal circles. This nickname alluded to her remarkable talent for escaping from custody, a skill that would repeatedly test the resolve of law enforcement agencies.
The "Kissing Bandit" Persona
The press, always eager to sensationalize crime, seized upon a peculiar detail of Edna Murray’s robberies: her alleged habit of kissing male victims. This behavior, whether rooted in genuine affection, a calculated tactic to disarm or humiliate her victims, or simply a fabrication of imaginative journalists, cemented her image as the "Kissing Bandit" in the public consciousness. The name became synonymous with Edna Murray, adding a layer of intrigue and romanticism to her criminal activities.
Early Arrests and Daring Escapes
Edna Murray’s criminal career was marked by a recurring pattern of arrests followed by audacious escapes. Her initial arrest came after a string of bank robberies with Davis. However, her first taste of freedom was in May 1927, when she successfully escaped custody and promptly reunited with Davis, resuming their criminal partnership. This escape showcased her resourcefulness and determination to evade the grasp of the law.
Another arrest followed, this time in Chicago, Illinois, leading to a 25-year prison sentence at the Missouri State Penitentiary in Jefferson City. However, the confines of prison walls could not contain Edna Murray’s spirit. In November 1931, she orchestrated another escape, this time with the help of fellow inmates. While this attempt was short-lived, resulting in their swift recapture, it further solidified her reputation as a formidable escape artist.
Undeterred by previous failures, Edna Murray once again tasted freedom on December 13, 1932. This escape, arguably her most daring, allowed her to rejoin Davis and resume their life of crime. The pair continued their crime spree for a time, eventually seeking refuge in Aurora, Illinois, hoping to lay low and evade the relentless pursuit of law enforcement.
Encounter with the Dillinger Gang
Fate, however, had other plans for Edna Murray and Volney Davis. On April 23, 1934, their Aurora home became a temporary sanctuary for none other than John Dillinger, Homer Van Meter, and John "Red" Hamilton, members of the notorious Dillinger Gang. The gang, reeling from a near capture by the FBI near Rhinelander, Wisconsin, sought a safe haven to regroup and tend to their wounds.
Tragically, John Hamilton succumbed to his injuries several days after arriving at the couple’s home. His death added another layer of complexity to Edna Murray’s life, further entangling her in the web of the criminal underworld.
Capture and Conspiracy Charges
The Dillinger Gang’s presence in her life ultimately led to Edna Murray‘s downfall. With the FBI closing in, she was finally recaptured on January 22, 1935. However, her legal troubles were far from over. She was indicted along with several members of the Barker-Karpis Gang for conspiracy to kidnap wealthy Minnesota banker Edward Bremer in January 1934. This charge implicated her in a high-profile crime that extended far beyond her previous bank robberies.
Faced with mounting legal pressure, Edna Murray fled, eventually finding herself in Wichita, Kansas, with Jess Doyle, a member of the Barker-Karpis Gang and the boyfriend of her sister. However, her escape was short-lived, as she was apprehended in Wichita on February 7, 1935.
Conviction and Parole
The kidnapping conspiracy trial resulted in a conviction for Edna Murray, along with several other defendants. On May 6, 1935, she was sentenced to federal prison, marking a significant turning point in her life. After serving several years, she was paroled from the Women’s Prison at Jefferson City, Missouri, on December 20, 1940.
Life After Crime
Following her release from prison, Edna Murray sought a fresh start, eventually making her way to California. She settled in San Francisco, where she lived a relatively quiet life, far removed from the high-stakes world of bank robberies and daring escapes. The "Kissing Bandit," once a symbol of rebellion and defiance, faded into obscurity, leaving behind a legacy of intrigue and speculation.
Edna Murray‘s life came to an end in San Francisco in 1966. Her death marked the final chapter in a story that had captivated the nation during the Depression Era.
The Enduring Legacy of the "Kissing Bandit"
Edna "Rabbits" Murray, the "Kissing Bandit," remains a fascinating figure in the annals of American crime. Her life, a blend of daring robberies, audacious escapes, and a touch of romantic intrigue, continues to captivate historians and true crime enthusiasts alike. While the details of her exploits may be shrouded in legend and speculation, her story serves as a reminder of the complex and often contradictory nature of human behavior, even in the darkest of times. She was a product of her environment, shaped by the economic hardships of the Depression and the allure of a life outside the bounds of conventional society. Her legacy, however, is a complex one, raising questions about the nature of crime, the role of women in the underworld, and the enduring power of myth and legend. Edna Murray‘s life, though filled with criminal activity, also reveals a certain resilience and determination, qualities that allowed her to survive in a world dominated by men and defined by violence. Her story continues to be told, ensuring that the "Kissing Bandit" will not be forgotten.