Retired Intelligence Detective Gary Jenkins brings you the best in mob history with his unique perception of the mafia. Today is June 17th, and exactly 93 years ago on this date, three desperados named Pretty Boy Floyd, Adam Richetti, and Verne Miller murdered four lawmen as they tried to break Frank Jelly Nash out of custody. In this episode, we delve into the detailed account of the Union Station Massacre with Terrence O’Malley, a renowned expert on organized crime in Kansas City. The incident involved a group plotting to liberate Frank Jelly Nash, a notorious bank robber, leading to a fatal confrontation at Union Station. As Terrence describes the events leading up to the massacre, a vivid picture emerges of law enforcement’s ill-fated attempt to transport Nash from Fort Smith to Leavenworth.

The narrative unfolds with the assembling of lawmen at Union Station, including FBI agents and local police officers, to escort Nash. However, a mix-up with firearms escalates tensions, culminating in a deadly shootout as they prepare to depart in a car. Shots fired from inside the vehicle kill Frank Nash and Ray Caffrey, initiating a chaotic exchange of gunfire resulting in the deaths of several law enforcement officers.

The aftermath of the massacre sees onlookers swarming the crime scene, hindering investigations. The city of Kansas City, already notorious for criminal activities, further solidifies its lawless reputation with this tragic event. As the podcast delves into the complexities of the Union Station massacre, intricate details emerge, including speculations on missing weaponry, law enforcement blunders, and the subsequent impact on the city’s history.

The episode provides insights into the high-stakes nature of law enforcement operations during that era, highlighting the unpredictability of gun battles and the challenges faced by officers in such intense situations. Terrence’s storytelling expertise brings to life the cascading events that unfolded on that fateful day, shedding light on the complexities and repercussions of the Union Station Massacre.

As the episode concludes, the host emphasizes the importance of awareness regarding PTSD and substance abuse, offering resources for those in need. Encouraging audience engagement through likes, shares, and subscriptions, the podcast aims to reach a broader audience while delving into intriguing historical accounts. The narrative, woven with personal anecdotes and historical insights, captivates listeners, offering a deeper understanding of the Union Station Massacre and its lasting impact on Kansas City’s history.

Find Terence O’Malley’s work at Black Hand Strawman.

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Transcript

Introduction to Union Station Massacre Series

[0:00] So hey guys, hey all you wiretappers out there, welcome back to the second in the three-part series on the Union Station Massacre.

You know, I told you before, this is my friend Terrence O’Malley who did the quintessential documentary on the organized crime in Kansas City from the Black Hand days to the Straw Man days when they took off the Kansas City mob for skimming from Las Vegas casinos.

Terrence O’Malley in Black Hand Straw Man covers the board.

Unfortunately, you’re probably Probably not going to find it online, and I know it’s not on Amazon streaming.

He has copies of it.