Lester "Baby Face Nelson" Gillis: A Life of Infamy
Lester Joseph Gillis, known notoriously as "Baby Face Nelson," was one of the most infamous American gangsters of the early 20th century. Born on December 6, 1908, in Chicago, Illinois, Nelson's early life set him on a path toward criminality that led to his eventual notoriety. Despite his diminutive stature, which earned him the nickname "Baby Face Nelson," he became a feared and ruthless criminal whose actions left a significant mark on American history.
Nelson's childhood was plagued by poverty and instability, which forced him into the underworld at a young age. By the time he was 13, Nelson had already been arrested for automobile theft. His juvenile delinquency escalated, and he quickly became involved in more severe crimes, such as armed robbery. His aptitude for violence caught the attention of established gangsters, and he found himself deeper into Chicago's criminal networks. During the Prohibition era, gangs flourished, and Nelson's association with these groups allowed him to hone his skills as an effective and heartless outlaw.
In the early 1930s, Nelson's criminal activities expanded significantly. Teaming up with notorious bank robbers such as John Dillinger, Nelson became a prominent member of the criminal underworld. His baby-faced appearance contrasted sharply with his violent tendencies, and he quickly built a…
