Basil Banghart was known as “The Owl” because of his unusually large eyes. In the 1920’s and 30’s, the cops and the press knew him as an underworld legend. He was a man that escaped from every prison from Atlanta to Soledad. He could fly planes and drive like a race car driver while shooting a machine gun with deadly accuracy. He committed mail heists that totaled at least a million dollars. Prison officials labeled him a professional criminal with an unfavorable prognosis. In short, Basil Banghart was an astute criminal who was without social conscience or scruples.
Additionally, you can also hear Gary Jenkins talk about him on the Gangland Wire Podcast: New Years Bonus.
You can read more about Basil “The Owl” Banghart here: http://rogertouhygangsters.blogspot.com/2010/10/banghart-basil.html
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