G-Men, Gangsters, and Gators: The FBI flying squad and the deaths of Ma and Fred Barker in Florida

by Brian Hunt

Throughout the 1930s, federal agents tracked down members of the Barker-Karpis gang. Led by Special-Agent-in-Charge Earl Connelley, the federal "flying squad" that hunted down John Dillinger focused its sights on Fred and Kate "Ma" Barker in 1934. Clues led them to a house on Lake Weir in central Florida. In the early morning hours of January 16, 1935, agents surrounded the house and ordered the Barkers outside. What followed was the longest shoot-out in FBI history and the deaths of the Barkers. Pieced together from reports by the agents involved, Brian Hunt retells the story of that fateful day.

92 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 3, 2012

Reviews

[John Converse]

The book focuses on the pursuit of the Barker gang and the deaths of Ma and Fred Barker. It provides some insight into the FBI of the era and the gangster lifestyle, but is laser focused on the Barker case. Interesting that in 1935 people still made false accusations against law enforcement and hunted to civil settlements, whether deserved or not. While the federal agents were the heroes of this tale, they did make some critical mistakes such as having an unarmed handyman clear the house after the shootout.

[Sean Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good read well researched

Not my usual choice of reading. But had just listened to a charity shop CD of Bony M and their song Ma Barker. Wanted to learn more. 😊