Willie Sutton Famous American bank robber Date of Birth: 30.06.1901 Country: USA

1. Biography of Willie Sutton
2. Bank Robbing Career
3. Later Life and Death

Biography of Willie Sutton

Willie Sutton, a notorious American bank robber and talented thief known as the "Artist," was able to skillfully break into a vast number of banks simply because "that's where the money is." Later, this postulate became the basis for the eponymous diagnostic principle. Sutton was born on June 30, 1901, in Brooklyn, to a family of Irish descent. He was the fourth of five children and had only completed eight grades of formal education. Growing up in an environment that was not entirely reputable had a lasting impact on Sutton's views and principles in life.

Bank Robbing Career

Willie Sutton began professionally robbing banks in the late 1920s. He did it like no one else, always orchestrating elaborate spectacles to mislead law enforcement and anyone who witnessed his robberies. From the 1920s until his final arrest in 1952, Sutton managed to rob over a hundred banks and expertly escape from prison multiple times.

Sutton had certain principles that he never compromised on. For instance, shortly before his death, he stated that he never carried a loaded weapon because he never intended to harm people. Additionally, he never robbed a bank if women or children were present, and he preferred to target banks owned by individuals he deemed unscrupulous. He was like a modern-day Robin Hood. It is estimated that Sutton stole a total of two million dollars and spent more than half of his life in prison.

Later Life and Death

After being released, Willie Sutton had to rely on social assistance for some time. During his time in prison, the once skillful robber acquired numerous illnesses that ultimately deteriorated his health. In his final years, Sutton lived in Florida with his sister, who tried her best to alleviate his loneliness. Throughout his life, Sutton failed to establish a family of his own, as both of his marriages ended while he was serving prison sentences.

Willie Sutton passed away at the age of 79 in 1980. The "Artist" was buried in one of the cemeteries in Brooklyn. Throughout his life, Sutton always spoke about how robberies brought him a zest for life, which is why he believed his choices were justified.