How Did Dillinger Alter His Fingerprints?

The legend of John Dillinger, the notorious American gangster of the 1930s, is one that has captivated historians and the public alike. One of the most intriguing aspects of his story is how he managed to alter his fingerprints, a move that would have been nearly impossible for an ordinary person. This article delves into the methods Dillinger employed to evade capture and the implications of his unique strategy.

Dillinger’s fingerprints were his greatest liability. As a notorious bank robber, he left a trail of prints at every crime scene, making him one of the most sought-after fugitives in the country. To avoid capture, Dillinger devised a clever plan to alter his fingerprints. He began by carefully scraping the surface of his fingertips with a razor blade, creating a thin layer of skin that could be lifted off with the application of a special chemical.

This process was risky and required a significant amount of precision, but Dillinger was determined to succeed. He meticulously followed the steps, applying the chemical to the scraped area and then peeling off the thin layer of skin. The result was a temporary removal of his fingerprints, allowing him to commit crimes without leaving his true identity behind.

However, altering his fingerprints was not a one-time solution. Dillinger knew that he would need to repeat the process regularly to maintain his anonymity. To ensure his success, he sought out a knowledgeable chemist who could supply him with the necessary chemicals and provide guidance on the best techniques. This collaboration allowed Dillinger to continue his criminal endeavors for an extended period.

Despite his efforts, Dillinger’s fingerprint alteration was not foolproof. Law enforcement agencies were constantly improving their fingerprint technology, and the authorities eventually caught up with Dillinger. On July 22, 1934, he was shot and killed by FBI agents during a botched raid on the Little Bohemia Lodge in Manitowoc, Wisconsin.

The question of how Dillinger altered his fingerprints remains a subject of debate among historians. Some believe that he may have been influenced by the work of Dr. Henry Faulds, a Scottish surgeon who developed a method for altering fingerprints in the late 19th century. Others suggest that Dillinger’s fingerprints were altered by someone else, possibly a confederate or an accomplice.

Regardless of the exact method used, Dillinger’s fingerprint alteration was a remarkable feat of ingenuity and desperation. It demonstrated his ability to think outside the box and adapt to the ever-evolving nature of law enforcement. Today, the story of Dillinger’s fingerprint alteration serves as a reminder of the lengths some individuals will go to in order to evade capture and the importance of constant innovation in the fight against crime.