205: The Santa Claus Bank Robbery

205: The Santa Claus Bank Robbery

Author: Erica Kelley December 24, 2023 Duration: 25:30
In the lead-up to Christmas, 1927, the good citizens of Cisco, Texas, were looking forward to celebrating the holiday with their nearest and dearest. But a group of men who rolled into town on the morning of December 23 from Wichita Falls had different ideas. Led by an ex-con in a Santa Suit, their actions at the town’s First National Bank went on to spurn one of the state’s biggest manhunts, ultimately leaving six men dead and numerous others wounded. What unfolded not just over the following week but the next couple of years afterward was equal parts a comedy of errors, a gripping tale of Wild West justice, and a tragedy for those who stepped up to protect and serve during one of the most audacious heists in Southern history. This is the story of the Santa Claus Bank Robbery.

Hosted and produced by Erica Kelley
Researched and written by Gemma Harris
Original Graphic Art by Coley Horner
Original Music by Rob Harrison of Gamma Radio
Edited & Mixed by Brandon Schexnayder & Erica Kelley

Sources: https://southernfriedtruecrime.com/santa-claus-bank-robbery

This episode is brought to you by:
  • They say time waits for no one, and neither should payday--See EarnIn.com/TOS for more details.

Hosted by Tennessee native Erica Kelley, Southern Fried True Crime digs into the dark, complex, and often unsettling stories that have shaped the American South. This podcast moves beyond the headlines to examine both historical cases and contemporary crimes, all through the lens of the region's distinct culture. Erica brings a local's perspective, balancing a layer of charm with a direct, no-nonsense approach-what she aptly calls southern sass. Each episode is a deep dive into how geography, tradition, and social structures influence these events and their outcomes. You'll hear detailed narratives that reveal how the justice system operates in the Deep South, for better or worse. The show connects the past to the present, exploring how history echoes in modern courtrooms and investigations. It’s a blend of societal observation, cultural history, and true crime analysis, all grounded in Erica's firsthand understanding of the territory. Listen for thorough research presented in a conversational tone, where the setting is as crucial as the crime itself. This isn't just about the what, but the why and how, specifically within a southern context. Tune in for a compelling exploration where the stories are as layered and potent as the region's famed cuisine.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Southern Fried True Crime
Podcast Episodes
168: The Trials of Hattie Lee Barnes [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:02:22
In April 1951, a young black woman was closing up a roadhouse tavern and getting ready to sleep there for the night. Hattie Lee Barnes worked as a maid at Lee’s Place and in recent weeks had started sleeping there as car…
Amazon Music Presents: COLD: The Search for Sheree [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 9:28
Sheree Warren left her job in Salt Lake City on a mild October evening in 1985. She told a coworker she was headed to meet her estranged husband, Charles Warren, at a car dealership. But she never made it, Sheree vanishe…
167: The Murder of Fred Jablin [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:13:30
Hosted and produced by Erica KelleyResearched by Haley GrayWritten by Erica Kelley Original Graphic Art by Coley HornerOriginal Music by Rob Harrison of Gamma RadioEdited & Mixed by Erica Kelley Dr. Fred Jablin, a highly…
166: Rapist & Serial Killer: Henry Louis Wallace [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:22:33
From 1992-1994, a serial killer stalked young black women in Charlotte, North Carolina. Police came under fire from families and the media once the killer was unmasked. They blamed being understaffed during a crack epide…
Wondery presents: The Generation Why [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 8:49
The Generation Why Podcast released its first episode in 2012 and pioneered the true crime genre in the podcasting world. Two friends, Aaron & Justin, break down theories and give their opinions on unsolved murders, cont…
165: I95 Killer or Serial Killer: Gary Ray Bowles [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 52:49
In the spring of 1994, the southern and eastern seaboard states were terrorized by a serial killer using the I-95 corridor to travel between states and victims. Six gay men were targeted by a drifter, working as a hustle…
164: The Abduction & Murder of Sydney Sutherland #runningwhilefemale [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 43:35
On the afternoon of August 19th, 2020, 24-year-old Sydney Sutherland went missing while on her regular run in rural Jackson County, Arkansas. Within 2 hours, Sydney’s family realized she was in danger, contacted the poli…
Wondery Presents: The ReWatcher: Buffy The Vampire Slayer [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 5:12
Welcome to the Hellmouth Weirdos! Your favorite Morbid hosts Ash and Alaina are branching out from true crime and heading to Sunnydale for the ultimate Buffy the Vampire Slayer Rewatch podcast! Alaina is a Buffy superfan…
163: The Mysterious Murder of Corinna Mullen [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:18:56
In the spring of 1987, 20 year old Corinna Mullen moved to Central City, Kentucky in hopes of providing a better life for her two year old daughter. But within six months of her move, Corinna was found brutally murdered.…