On August 4, 1933, Eleanor Jarman, her boyfriend George Dale and another accomplice attempted to rob a Chicago clothing store owner, Gustav Hoeh. Hoeh fought back and was murdered by Dale. Eleanor still received a 199 year prison sentence for her part in the crime, but after serving just seven years she escaped with a fellow inmate. From that point on she became a fugitive (never caught) and likely holds the distinction of being the longest-running female fugitive in American history.
My guest, Silvia Pettem, is a Colorado author who specializes in cold cases. She not only walks us through Eleanor’s colorful life, but also shares with us where she believes Eleanor (nicknamed “the Blonde Tigress by the Chicago Press) eventually ended up. Her book is called “In Search of the Blonde Tigress: The Untold Story of Eleanor Jarman”.
More about the author and her work here: http://www.silviapettem.com/
Thanks for such a thorough interview. I need to mention, though, that (at 34.55—35.05) I misspoke when I said that one of her sons came forward. Actually, it was one of her GRANDSONS who came forward. As the author, it is my hope that this story brings some resolution to Eleanor’s family.
Thanks for the clarification, Silvia, and I really enjoyed chatting with you!