Walter Melon: The Unforgettable Bank Robber with a Watery Disguise
Walter Melon, a name that sent shivers down the spines of bank tellers and law enforcement officers alike, was an enigmatic figure who left an enduring legacy in the annals of crime history. His audacious heists, ingenious disguise, and relentless pursuit by the authorities made him an unforgettable character in the world of notorious outlaws.
The Early Life of Walter Melon
Walter Melon was born in a small town in rural Nebraska in the early 1900s. Growing up, he displayed a mischievous streak but seemed otherwise unremarkable. However, as he entered adulthood, his life took an unconventional turn.
Into the World of Crime
In the midst of the Great Depression, Melon found himself drawn into the world of crime. Desperation and a desire for a better life drove him to commit small-scale robberies, but it wasn't until he stumbled upon an unusual disguise that his criminal career took off.
The Watery Disguise
Melon's signature disguise was nothing short of extraordinary. He would don a large, inflatable watermelon costume, complete with painted seeds and a hollowed-out hole for his head. This ingenious disguise allowed him to blend in with unsuspecting crowds while keeping his identity concealed.
The Watermelon Heists
From 1934 to 1937, Walter Melon embarked on a series of daring bank robberies across the Midwest. Using his watermelon disguise, he would enter banks, threaten tellers with a water gun, and make off with thousands of dollars.
According to the FBI, Melon robbed over a dozen banks, amassing a fortune of over $100,000 (equivalent to approximately $2 million today). His brazen heists and ability to evade capture made him a legend among criminals and the public alike.
Timeline of Melon's Heists:
| Bank |
Location |
Date |
Amount Stolen |
| First National Bank |
Omaha, NE |
1934 |
$2,000 |
| Farmers State Bank |
Lincoln, NE |
1935 |
$4,000 |
| Central Bank |
Des Moines, IA |
1935 |
$6,000 |
| Security Bank |
Wichita, KS |
1936 |
$10,000 |
| Midwest National Bank |
Minneapolis, MN |
1936 |
$12,000 |
| Citizens Bank |
Chicago, IL |
1937 |
$15,000 |
The Hunt for the Watermelon Robber
As Walter Melon's heists became more frequent and daring, law enforcement agencies across the country joined forces to hunt him down. The FBI, known for its relentless pursuit of criminals, made Melon one of its top priorities.
A Nation on Edge
The public was gripped by a mix of fear and fascination as news of Walter Melon's exploits spread like wildfire. Newspapers ran daily updates on the hunt for the elusive bank robber, and citizens kept a watchful eye for anyone resembling a watermelon.
The Watermelon Robber's Downfall
In 1937, Walter Melon's luck ran out. After a botched robbery attempt in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, he was finally apprehended by FBI agents. His ingenious disguise was no match for the FBI's meticulous investigation and surveillance.
Trial and Imprisonment
Walter Melon was convicted of multiple counts of bank robbery and sentenced to 20 years in federal prison. He served his time at the infamous Alcatraz Penitentiary, where he became known for his good behavior and remorse for his crimes.
Stories and Lessons Learned
The story of Walter Melon offers a cautionary tale and valuable lessons about the consequences of criminal behavior.
Story 1: The Watermelon Thief
In one of his earliest heists, Melon robbed a bank in a small town and got away with a watermelon from the counter. He thought it was a hilarious joke, but the theft of the watermelon led to his identification and eventual capture.
Lesson: Even the smallest mistakes can have significant consequences.
Story 2: The Lone Ranger
Melon often acted alone, relying on his own skills and intuition. While this gave him a sense of autonomy, it also made him more vulnerable when things went wrong.
Lesson: It's important to have a support system or trusted individuals to rely on, especially when faced with challenges.
Story 3: The Downward Spiral
Melon's initial acts of desperation led him down a slippery slope of crime. One robbery led to another, and before he knew it, he was trapped in a life of lawlessness and fear.
Lesson: It's crucial to address problems early on and seek help before they spiral out of control.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Don't underestimate the power of law enforcement: No matter how clever your disguise or plan may seem, the authorities have extensive resources and expertise to track you down.
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Don't act alone: Having accomplices can provide support, backup, and a different perspective, which can be invaluable in high-stakes situations.
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Don't let greed consume you: Stealing more than you need will only increase your risk of getting caught and facing harsher penalties.
FAQs
1. How many banks did Walter Melon rob?
Answer: Over 12
2. What was Walter Melon's signature disguise?
Answer: An inflatable watermelon costume
3. How long did Walter Melon serve in prison?
Answer: 20 years
4. What is the estimated amount of money Walter Melon stole?
Answer: Over $100,000
5. What was Walter Melon's nickname?
Answer: The Watermelon Robber
6. What was the name of the prison where Walter Melon served his sentence?
Answer: Alcatraz Penitentiary
7. What was Walter Melon's motivation for robbing banks?
Answer: Desperation and a desire for a better life
8. Did Walter Melon ever escape from prison?
Answer: No
Call to Action
The story of Walter Melon is a reminder that even the most daring criminals eventually face the consequences of their actions. It's important to make ethical and responsible choices, and to seek help when needed, to avoid making the same mistakes as those who have gone before us.
