Charles Starkweather and Caril Fugate, Go On Take the Money and Run

By Lynn A. Granata

In the middle of the 20th century 2 troubled young teen aged lovers went on a natural killing and crime spree in Lincoln Nebraska.

Caril Fugate (left) and Charles Starkweather

       They remind me so much of Bonnie and Clyde. Only a 1950's version of the infamous crime couple taking place in the beginning of modern times.

       They went on a vicious killing spree killing so many friends and even family members.

Charles was motivated by money, as he lived in poverty his entire life through. He robbed a gas station attendant for $100. Later on he graduated to grand theft auto. He killed and robbed a shoe salesman for his vehicle.

A 14 year old Caril Fugate with her 19 year old partner in crime Charles Starkweather (right).

            And used it to escape to Washington state.

        A high speed police chase ensued, and finally Starkweather was captured and arrested.

Caril Fugate was only 14, Charles was 19.  She testified that she was under duress while she accompanied Starkweather throughout his crime rampage.

Charles was executed in 1959. Caril received a life sentence, she was charged with aiding and abetting and guilt by association.

 She was later released from a woman's prison on parole in 1976, and was considered cleared and rehabilitated enough to get back into society.

Not much about her has been known since, but it's presumed that she changed her name and wanted nothing more to do with her sordid past, she made a new life for herself where she could go where nobody would remember who she was and what she did.