| Machine Gun Kelly | |
|---|---|
 | |
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Real Name |
George Kelly Barnes |
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Born |
July 18, 1895 |
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Died |
July 18, 1954 |
Origin[]
George Kelly Barnes better known by his nickname Machine Gun Kelly, was an American gangster from Memphis, Tennessee, active during the Prohibition era. His nickname came from his favorite weapon, a Thompson submachine gun. He is best known for the kidnapping of oil tycoon and businessman Charles F. Urschel in July 1933, from which he and his gang collected a $200,000 ransom (equivalent to $4.89 million in 2025). Urschel had collected and left considerable evidence that assisted the subsequent FBI investigation, which eventually led to Kelly's arrest in Memphis on September 26, 1933. His crimes also included bootlegging and armed robbery.
Public Domain Comic Appearances[]
- Murder Incorporated #12
- Famous Gangster #2
- Headline Comics #28
- Famous Funnies #29
Public Domain Comic Appearances inspired by Machine Gun Kelly[]
- Bullet Man #1: In 1941, Bulletman and Bulletgirl battled a villain also named Machine Gun Kelly. He was the boss of a gang of murderers and robbers who robbed a circus of their giant and used the new asset to help in their robberies.