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3 Famous Christmas Crimes That Are Not So Jolly

It’s the most wonderful time of the year… for some. You wouldn’t think vicious murders and unbelievable robberies are activities that people partake in on Christmas, but you’d be surprised. Here are three famous Christmas crimes that shocked the world with their brutality and absurdity. 

The Lawson Family 

On Christmas Day 1929, Charles Lawson grabbed a 12 gauge shotgun and murdered his wife (Fannie), his daughters (Carrie, Maybell, Marie, and Lou), and his two sons (James and Raymond). After he murdered them, he went out to the woods for several hours and committed suicide. The only member of his family to survive was his son, Arthur, who was out running errands. 

It has been speculated that the motivations for these murders stems from a head injury that Charles Lawson received months ago. Family and friends noted a change in his attitude although an autopsy revealed no substantial damage. 

A massacre as horrific as this would be almost unbelievable in any circumstance but when you realize that it took place on Christmas day, it makes it that much more grim. 

The Santa Claus Bank Robbery

One of the most infamous robberies of all time was the Santa Claus Bank Robbery that occurred on December 23, 1927 in the small town of Cisco, Texas. Marshall Ratliff, along with three accomplices, dressed as Santa Claus and robbed the First National Bank. A shootout ensued when police arrived at the scene and although Ratliff sustained two gunshot wounds, the men were able to get to their car. Ratliff got away for the night but was captured the next morning after another shootout, while Helm and Hill, two of the robber robbers, were able to escape again.

The two robbers avoided capture for seven days living off of minimal food but were apprehended in Graham, Texas. Ratliff, Helm, and Hill faced trial and were convicted. Helms was executed via electric chair and Hill was sentenced to 99 years in prison (although he escaped three times). Ratliff was sentenced to 99 years in prison after an unsuccessful insanity plea. 

The Corvina Massacre

The next Christmas crime on our list is the Covina Massacre that took place on December 24, 2008 in Los Angeles, California. Bruce Pardo murdered his ex wife, Sylivia Ortega and 8 members of her family. Pardo committed the murders while dressed in a Santa Claus suit and armed with several handguns and a homemade flamethrower. There were a few survivors who were able to make it out in time to call the authorities. Pardo died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound the next day.

Motivations behind the attack are believed to be caused by the anger that Pardo felt about the divorce papers that were served to him a week before the attack. 

Call A-EZ Out Bail Bonds For All Christmas Crimes 

We know you probably won’t be committing any crimes as absolutely outlandish as the ones listed above, but that doesn’t mean circumstances won’t arise where you find that you require bail bond services for Christmas crimes. At A-EZ Out Bail Bonds, we are open 365 days a year, and are ready to get you out of jail of any crime. Give us a call today or fill out our online form so that we can get you back home for the holidays.

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