They are believed to have murdered at least nine police officers and four civilians. They were ambushed by police and shot to death in Bienville Parish, Louisiana. Their exploits captured the attention of the American press and its readership during what is occasionally referred to as the ' public enemy era' between 19. The couple were known for their bank robberies, although they preferred to rob small stores or rural funeral homes. Bonnie Elizabeth Parker (October 1, 1910 – May 23, 1934) and Clyde Chestnut (Champion) Barrow (March 24, 1909 – May 23, 1934) were American criminals who traveled the Central United States with their gang during the Great Depression.