Edward J. Adams: Prohibition-Era Killer and Midwestern Outlaw
Overview
Edward J. Adams, often known as "Eddie" Adams, was an American outlaw, bank robber, and multiple murderer who operated throughout Kansas, Missouri, Iowa, and other parts of the Midwest during the early years of Prohibition. Born William Joseph Wallace on April 23, 1887, in Hutchinson, Kansas, Adams became one of the most feared criminals in the region between 1920 and 1921.
Although he is sometimes described as a serial killer, historians more commonly classify Adams as a spree killer because his murders occurred during a continuous series of robberies, escapes, and confrontations with law enforcement. During approximately fourteen months of criminal activity, Adams was linked to the deaths of at least seven people and the wounding of numerous others. His crime spree ended on November 22, 1921, when he was shot and killed by police in Wichita, Kansas.
Early Life and Criminal Career
Adams grew up in Kansas and reportedly developed a strong dislike for authority and manual labor. After learning the barber trade, he moved to Wichita and became involved in bootlegging, automobile theft, robbery, and organized criminal activity. During the Prohibition era, he assembled a gang that specialized in bank robberies, train robberies, and armed thefts throughout the Midwest. His charisma and reputation attracted numerous accomplices, allowing him to expand his criminal operations.
By 1920, Adams had become one of the region's most notorious criminals. His gang engaged in increasingly violent crimes, and shootings became a frequent part of their robberies and escapes.
Escalation to Murder
As Adams' criminal activities intensified, deadly violence became common. Witnesses, police officers, civilians, and robbery victims were often shot during confrontations. Investigators eventually connected Adams to at least seven murders committed during robberies, pursuits, and attempts to avoid arrest. Several victims died instantly, while others succumbed later to injuries sustained during attacks.
Known Victims
- Frank Gardner
- Date of death: September 5, 1920
- Location: Kansas City, Missouri
- Circumstances: Gardner, a gambler and gunman, was killed during a violent shootout that erupted when Adams and associates attempted to rob a gambling establishment.
- James Krievell
- Age: 82
- Date of attack: 1921
- Location: Haysville, Kansas
- Circumstances: During a bank robbery, Krievell was severely beaten with a pistol by Adams. He later died from a fractured skull caused by the assault.
- C.J. Jones
- Date of death: October 1921
- Location: Near Murray, Iowa
- Circumstances: Jones was killed during a gun battle between Adams' gang and a pursuing posse after a bank robbery.
- Patrolman A.L. Young
- Date of death: November 5, 1921
- Location: Wichita, Kansas
- Circumstances: Young was shot and killed by Adams during a personal dispute that reportedly involved a mutual romantic interest.
- Patrolman Robert Fitzpatrick
- Date of death: November 20, 1921
- Location: Wichita, Kansas
- Circumstances: Fitzpatrick was shot and killed after stopping a vehicle carrying Adams and his associates. The killing triggered a massive manhunt.
- George Oldham
- Date of death: November 20, 1921
- Location: Cowley County, Kansas
- Circumstances: After running out of gasoline while fleeing police, Adams attempted to steal Oldham's automobile. When the farmer resisted, Adams shot and killed him.
- Detective Charles Hoffman
- Date of death: November 22, 1921
- Location: Wichita, Kansas
- Circumstances: Hoffman was fatally wounded while attempting to arrest Adams during the final confrontation that ended the outlaw's criminal career.
Additional Victims and Survivors
Beyond the known fatalities, Adams wounded numerous individuals during robberies and shootouts. Deputy Benjamin Fisher was injured during a gun battle in October 1921, and Officer Ray Casner was wounded while attempting to apprehend Adams during the final days of the manhunt. Several other officers and civilians survived encounters with the outlaw and his gang.
Bank Robberies and Crime Spree
Throughout 1921, Adams and his gang carried out a series of robberies across Kansas and neighboring states. They robbed banks in communities including Rose Hill and Haysville, Kansas, stole money from businesses, and later carried out one of the region's most significant train robberies. Shortly before his death, Adams participated in the robbery of a Santa Fe express train near Ottawa, Kansas, reportedly obtaining approximately $35,000. These crimes intensified law enforcement efforts to capture him.
Authorities frequently engaged the gang in running gun battles. Stolen vehicles, armed robberies, kidnappings, and attacks on police officers became recurring elements of Adams' crime spree.
Final Manhunt and Death
The killing of Patrolman Robert Fitzpatrick on November 20, 1921, prompted an extensive police search throughout Wichita and surrounding areas. After murdering farmer George Oldham during his escape, Adams returned to Wichita and attempted to hide from authorities.
On November 22, 1921, Adams attempted to rent a vehicle while much of the city's police force was attending Fitzpatrick's funeral. The garage operator recognized him and alerted authorities. When officers arrived, a fierce gun battle erupted. Detective Charles Hoffman was fatally shot during the confrontation. Officer Charles Bowman was wounded, but another officer, D.C. Stuckey, returned fire and struck Adams multiple times, killing him.
Public Reaction
News of Adams' death spread rapidly across Kansas. His body was publicly displayed in Wichita, where thousands of residents reportedly viewed it. Law enforcement subsequently arrested numerous associates and accomplices connected to his criminal organization. Several gang members received prison sentences, including some who were sentenced to life imprisonment.
Legacy
Edward J. Adams remains one of the most infamous criminals of the Prohibition era in the American Midwest. His violent robberies, repeated confrontations with law enforcement, and involvement in multiple murders made him a feared figure during the early 1920s. Although his criminal career lasted only a short period, the scale of the violence associated with his gang left a lasting impact on Kansas law enforcement history. His death in a Wichita shootout brought an end to a fourteen-month crime spree that resulted in at least seven deaths and numerous injuries across several states.
