Welcome to Criminalia, a production of Shondaland Audio in partnership with iHeartRadio.

Welcome to Criminalia, a production of Shondaland Audio in partnership with iHeartRadio.

On January ninth, nineteen ninety, Jeffrey Ericsson entered the first nationwide bank and We'll met Illinois, disguised with a false beard, a baseball cap, dark sunglasses, and driving gloves. He carried a gun and a police radio scanner and threatened bank employees that he'd quote blow their brains out. While Jeff got the loot from the vault, Jill Ericson prepared their getaway. The Ericsons, a husband and wife bank robbing team, committed a series of robberies in the Chicago area, specifically in the Northwest suburbs in nineteen ninety and nineteen ninety one, and when it ended, it was in a dramatic and desperate way. Welcome to Criminalia. I'm Maria Trumarky.

On January ninth, nineteen ninety, Jeffrey Ericsson entered the first nationwide bank and We'll met Illinois, disguised with a false beard, a baseball cap, dark sunglasses, and driving gloves. He carried a gun and a police radio scanner and threatened bank employees that he'd quote blow their brains out. While Jeff got the loot from the vault, Jill Ericson prepared their getaway. The Ericsons, a husband and wife bank robbing team, committed a series of robberies in the Chicago area, specifically in the Northwest suburbs in nineteen ninety and nineteen ninety one, and when it ended, it was in a dramatic and desperate way. Welcome to Criminalia. I'm Maria Trumarky.

And I'm Holly Frye. So before we begin, this is a violent story, and we have a trigger alert regarding suicide twice in this episode. We're gonna let you know before we talk about it, so you can skip ahead if that is not something that you wish to hear. With that out of the way, Let's meet the Ericsons. Jeff Ericson met Jill Cohen at a bar in Niles, Illinois, just outside of Chicago, in nineteen eighty one, shortly after he was discharged from the Marine Corps. Jill was a high school senior celebrating her seventeenth birthday with her older sister. Jeff would later say he was attracted to her long blonde hair and long legs. That night, he nicknamed her gorgeous. He recalled that during that first meeting they discovered their mutual dislike of dancing. They also talked about their mutual love of animals. Less than six months later, Jill dropped out of Buffalo Grove High School and moved in with Jeff. According to Jeff, she wanted to escape the pain of her parents impending divorce. In nineteen eighty three, they were married in a civil ceremony attended only by their parent.

And I'm Holly Frye. So before we begin, this is a violent story, and we have a trigger alert regarding suicide twice in this episode. We're gonna let you know before we talk about it, so you can skip ahead if that is not something that you wish to hear. With that out of the way, Let's meet the Ericsons. Jeff Ericson met Jill Cohen at a bar in Niles, Illinois, just outside of Chicago, in nineteen eighty one, shortly after he was discharged from the Marine Corps. Jill was a high school senior celebrating her seventeenth birthday with her older sister. Jeff would later say he was attracted to her long blonde hair and long legs. That night, he nicknamed her gorgeous. He recalled that during that first meeting they discovered their mutual dislike of dancing. They also talked about their mutual love of animals. Less than six months later, Jill dropped out of Buffalo Grove High School and moved in with Jeff. According to Jeff, she wanted to escape the pain of her parents impending divorce. In nineteen eighty three, they were married in a civil ceremony attended only by their parent.

Jill, the daughter of pharmacist Carl Cohen and his wife Fran, was long described as a loner, dating back to her high school years. Most of her jobs were solitary positions and labs at various suburban Chicago companies, such as at Safety Clean Corporation, in Elgin, where she was involved with chemical analysis, in the spring of nineteen ninety one, so that's about sixteen months after the couple's very first robbery. Jill was diagnosed with a mental illness when she checked herself into a suburban hospital for help with alcohol misuse. To be clear, we are not in any way implying her diagnosis led her to rob Banks. Rather, this is a piece of her person, the person Jill. She described how she was primarily nocturnal and would feel energized and wide awake for days at a time, only to then fall into depressions where she couldn't get out of bed. Some reports she was diagnosed with bipolar disorder. Jeff later said she had been diagnosed with quote mild schizophrenia. She had a mistrust regarding medications, worried she would not feel like herself if she took them.

Jill, the daughter of pharmacist Carl Cohen and his wife Fran, was long described as a loner, dating back to her high school years. Most of her jobs were solitary positions and labs at various suburban Chicago companies, such as at Safety Clean Corporation, in Elgin, where she was involved with chemical analysis, in the spring of nineteen ninety one, so that's about sixteen months after the couple's very first robbery. Jill was diagnosed with a mental illness when she checked herself into a suburban hospital for help with alcohol misuse. To be clear, we are not in any way implying her diagnosis led her to rob Banks. Rather, this is a piece of her person, the person Jill. She described how she was primarily nocturnal and would feel energized and wide awake for days at a time, only to then fall into depressions where she couldn't get out of bed. Some reports she was diagnosed with bipolar disorder. Jeff later said she had been diagnosed with quote mild schizophrenia. She had a mistrust regarding medications, worried she would not feel like herself if she took them.

Jeff was a few years older than Jill, and after graduating from high school, he joined the Marine Corps, where he was awarded for his excellent marksmanship skills. He worked as a mechanic and received an honorable discharge in February of nineteen eighty one after four years of service. After his success in and departure from the Marine Corps. Though Jeff's life may be best described as unfocused, he worked a series of unrelated jobs that included everything from driving a truck in a limousine, operating a cleaning business, and clerking at a seven to eleven, which he always said was one of his favorite jobs because he got to talk to all kinds of people.

Jeff was a few years older than Jill, and after graduating from high school, he joined the Marine Corps, where he was awarded for his excellent marksmanship skills. He worked as a mechanic and received an honorable discharge in February of nineteen eighty one after four years of service. After his success in and departure from the Marine Corps. Though Jeff's life may be best described as unfocused, he worked a series of unrelated jobs that included everything from driving a truck in a limousine, operating a cleaning business, and clerking at a seven to eleven, which he always said was one of his favorite jobs because he got to talk to all kinds of people.

Jeff had once been an auxiliary police officer in Rosemont, Illinois, for about a month in nineteen eighty five. For a short period, Jeff was also a police officer in Hoffman Estates from April nineteen eighty six until May of nineteen eighty seven. Hoffman Estate's police Lieutenant John Gammel confirmed after Jeff was apprehended that yes, he had been on the force instead of him. Quote, he was in training with us and his evaluations were below standards. His poor performance was discussed with him, and he resigned. That's the official word. His mother, though, had a different take, stating that he was just quote too nice for that kind of job. Jeff gave different versions to different people regarding his resignation from the police force. For instance, he once explained to a neighbor he was fired for failing to come to the aid of a threatened officer. In an interview with the Chicago Tribune while he was wait his trial, he claimed he was asked to resign after quote a superior saw him apologizing profusely to a motorist he was ticketing. Over the course of the next two years, after losing that job, Jeff turned to crime. But before we turn to those crimes, we're going to take a break for a word from our sponsors. When we're back, we'll talk about everything from the opening of Ericsson's Best Used Books bookstore to the moment the husband and wife part was apprehended in a suburban parking lot.

Jeff had once been an auxiliary police officer in Rosemont, Illinois, for about a month in nineteen eighty five. For a short period, Jeff was also a police officer in Hoffman Estates from April nineteen eighty six until May of nineteen eighty seven. Hoffman Estate's police Lieutenant John Gammel confirmed after Jeff was apprehended that yes, he had been on the force instead of him. Quote, he was in training with us and his evaluations were below standards. His poor performance was discussed with him, and he resigned. That's the official word. His mother, though, had a different take, stating that he was just quote too nice for that kind of job. Jeff gave different versions to different people regarding his resignation from the police force. For instance, he once explained to a neighbor he was fired for failing to come to the aid of a threatened officer. In an interview with the Chicago Tribune while he was wait his trial, he claimed he was asked to resign after quote a superior saw him apologizing profusely to a motorist he was ticketing. Over the course of the next two years, after losing that job, Jeff turned to crime. But before we turn to those crimes, we're going to take a break for a word from our sponsors. When we're back, we'll talk about everything from the opening of Ericsson's Best Used Books bookstore to the moment the husband and wife part was apprehended in a suburban parking lot.

Welcome back to Criminalia. Let's talk about stakeouts, stolen mazdas, and a shootout in a shopping center parking lot in suburban Schomberg.

Welcome back to Criminalia. Let's talk about stakeouts, stolen mazdas, and a shootout in a shopping center parking lot in suburban Schomberg.

Life pretty much carried on for Jeff and Jill. They went to work, they had pets, to their neighbors, They frequently rode their motorcycles in the middle of the night, and after that first robbery in January of nineteen ninety they robbed more banks. By early nineteen ninety one, they had enough money to buy a two story townhouse in Hanover Park. They purchased with cash, explaining to the real estate agent that Jeff was self employed. They settled into a fairly isolated life. Neighbors and acquaintances described Jeff as quote a jovial fellow who loved to talk. He was also described as a creature of habit. Jill, the opposite, was shy and usually didn't respond to neighborly greetings. She was said to be unpredictable with a brilliant streak.

Life pretty much carried on for Jeff and Jill. They went to work, they had pets, to their neighbors, They frequently rode their motorcycles in the middle of the night, and after that first robbery in January of nineteen ninety they robbed more banks. By early nineteen ninety one, they had enough money to buy a two story townhouse in Hanover Park. They purchased with cash, explaining to the real estate agent that Jeff was self employed. They settled into a fairly isolated life. Neighbors and acquaintances described Jeff as quote a jovial fellow who loved to talk. He was also described as a creature of habit. Jill, the opposite, was shy and usually didn't respond to neighborly greetings. She was said to be unpredictable with a brilliant streak.

In May of nineteen seventy one, Jeff opened a used bookstore named Ericsson's Best Used Books in the village of Roselle, only about five miles from their new home. If getting into book selling seems like an odd or an interesting for the Ericsons, Jeff explained that he'd always love to read, and he was also a people person, and he really enjoyed talking to customers. Plus he did have kind of an eclectic resume, as you'll recall. Customer reviews suggested people were impressed with not only the excellent condition and selection of the books on sale in the shop, but also with Jeff's knowledge of the classics. After Jeff's arrest, Brian keta owner of Tucker's hot Dogs, which was located right next to the Ericson's bookstore, recalled that Jeff used to stop by and chat during his lunch hour, continuing that, in hindsight, quote, I would never imagine he'd have the brains to be a bank robber. Authorities quietly agreed with them to quote one official working on the case, who spoke anonymously to the press, quote, you see him, and you can't imagine the guy would be able to plan anything with such military precision. Philip Katula, a customer at Best Used Books, recalled being impressed by Jill, though saying quote, she talked to me about Fourier analysis, which only one in one hundred people would know.

In May of nineteen seventy one, Jeff opened a used bookstore named Ericsson's Best Used Books in the village of Roselle, only about five miles from their new home. If getting into book selling seems like an odd or an interesting for the Ericsons, Jeff explained that he'd always love to read, and he was also a people person, and he really enjoyed talking to customers. Plus he did have kind of an eclectic resume, as you'll recall. Customer reviews suggested people were impressed with not only the excellent condition and selection of the books on sale in the shop, but also with Jeff's knowledge of the classics. After Jeff's arrest, Brian keta owner of Tucker's hot Dogs, which was located right next to the Ericson's bookstore, recalled that Jeff used to stop by and chat during his lunch hour, continuing that, in hindsight, quote, I would never imagine he'd have the brains to be a bank robber. Authorities quietly agreed with them to quote one official working on the case, who spoke anonymously to the press, quote, you see him, and you can't imagine the guy would be able to plan anything with such military precision. Philip Katula, a customer at Best Used Books, recalled being impressed by Jill, though saying quote, she talked to me about Fourier analysis, which only one in one hundred people would know.

The store wasn't losing money, but Jeff kept pouring money into it, and in addition, Jill was maxing out their credit cards on a regular basis on well stuff. They were having trouble managing their money, and the couple fell deep into debt. They had by this time robbed a few banks, and their financial position only boosted their desire to rob again. No one knew the identity of the person the press had nicknamed the bearded bandit, and the Ericsons now felt pretty brazen about being able to get in and out of banks with a lot of stolen money and without getting caught.

The store wasn't losing money, but Jeff kept pouring money into it, and in addition, Jill was maxing out their credit cards on a regular basis on well stuff. They were having trouble managing their money, and the couple fell deep into debt. They had by this time robbed a few banks, and their financial position only boosted their desire to rob again. No one knew the identity of the person the press had nicknamed the bearded bandit, and the Ericsons now felt pretty brazen about being able to get in and out of banks with a lot of stolen money and without getting caught.

Events on November fourth, nineteen ninety one changed the trajectory of their bank robbing, but the Ericsons did not know it at the time. Palatine Police officer Kevin Maher was wounded during a routine traffic stop involving a small Mazda driven by a man wearing a fake beard and sunglasses. That stop wasn't because of who was behind the wheel, though it was simply that the car appeared to have expired license stickers. That's a minor violation, but the driver of the car unexpectedly slammed on the brakes, jumped from the vehicle, and fired three shots at the patrol car, striking Officer Mar once in the shoulder while fleeing the scene on foot. That car turned out to be stolen, and the bullet was later traced to a gun in the Ericson's house. Authorities believed mar inadvertently intercepted Jeff on the way to his next heist. Remember, no one knew the bearded bandit was Jeff Erickson, just yet just shy of Two weeks after the shooting, on November eighteenth, the First Chicago Bank in Elk Grove Village was robbed by a man wearing a fake beard, sunglasses, and carrying a gun and police scanner.

Events on November fourth, nineteen ninety one changed the trajectory of their bank robbing, but the Ericsons did not know it at the time. Palatine Police officer Kevin Maher was wounded during a routine traffic stop involving a small Mazda driven by a man wearing a fake beard and sunglasses. That stop wasn't because of who was behind the wheel, though it was simply that the car appeared to have expired license stickers. That's a minor violation, but the driver of the car unexpectedly slammed on the brakes, jumped from the vehicle, and fired three shots at the patrol car, striking Officer Mar once in the shoulder while fleeing the scene on foot. That car turned out to be stolen, and the bullet was later traced to a gun in the Ericson's house. Authorities believed mar inadvertently intercepted Jeff on the way to his next heist. Remember, no one knew the bearded bandit was Jeff Erickson, just yet just shy of Two weeks after the shooting, on November eighteenth, the First Chicago Bank in Elk Grove Village was robbed by a man wearing a fake beard, sunglasses, and carrying a gun and police scanner.

The shooting of Officer Marr generated additional urgency and prompted the creation of a new task force to coordinate the efforts of federal agents and several suburban police departments, including the towns of Elk Grove Village, Libertyville, Norwidge, Mondoline, Skokie, and Wheeling. They were assigned to stake out stolen foreign cars, specifically Japanese made from the mid to late nineteen eighties, and it worked.

The shooting of Officer Marr generated additional urgency and prompted the creation of a new task force to coordinate the efforts of federal agents and several suburban police departments, including the towns of Elk Grove Village, Libertyville, Norwidge, Mondoline, Skokie, and Wheeling. They were assigned to stake out stolen foreign cars, specifically Japanese made from the mid to late nineteen eighties, and it worked.

Here's why. In an Affidavid filed in United States District Court by FBI Special Agent David Children, agents noticed that a theft of a foreign car always preceded a robbery by the so called bearded bandit, and in addition, they had observed that all but one of the cars had been stolen during the day in or near shopping centers while their owners were at work. Federal agents and local police took this as a major clue in the case and staked out two stolen cars in a Schomberg parking lot that happened to be parked not terribly far from a bank. Of the two, it was a nineteen eighty four maroon Mazda that had been stolen on December ninth from the parking lot of Randhurst shopping Center in Mount Prospect that got the Ericsons caught.

Here's why. In an Affidavid filed in United States District Court by FBI Special Agent David Children, agents noticed that a theft of a foreign car always preceded a robbery by the so called bearded bandit, and in addition, they had observed that all but one of the cars had been stolen during the day in or near shopping centers while their owners were at work. Federal agents and local police took this as a major clue in the case and staked out two stolen cars in a Schomberg parking lot that happened to be parked not terribly far from a bank. Of the two, it was a nineteen eighty four maroon Mazda that had been stolen on December ninth from the parking lot of Randhurst shopping Center in Mount Prospect that got the Ericsons caught.

Can I just tell you I didn't put it in there? The other one was in nineteen eighty six gold Mazda. Here I went for the mazdas line, I tell you what. The FBI's stolen car stakeout began on Friday, December thirteenth, and by that Monday, shortly before noon, they'd caught up with the Ericsson's when the couple drove their silver forty Cono Line van to a parking lot in a shopping center in Schomberg and stopped near the Mazda. As Jeff attempted to start the car, or a better description would be attempted to hot wire it, agents moved in on him, it's reported, and Jeff later admitted to it. He'd reached for a handgun stashed in a Duffel bag on the passenger seat next to him. Before surrendering. Authorities reported he was carrying two loaded guns, a fake beard, and two false mustaches.

Can I just tell you I didn't put it in there? The other one was in nineteen eighty six gold Mazda. Here I went for the mazdas line, I tell you what. The FBI's stolen car stakeout began on Friday, December thirteenth, and by that Monday, shortly before noon, they'd caught up with the Ericsson's when the couple drove their silver forty Cono Line van to a parking lot in a shopping center in Schomberg and stopped near the Mazda. As Jeff attempted to start the car, or a better description would be attempted to hot wire it, agents moved in on him, it's reported, and Jeff later admitted to it. He'd reached for a handgun stashed in a Duffel bag on the passenger seat next to him. Before surrendering. Authorities reported he was carrying two loaded guns, a fake beard, and two false mustaches.

That maroon Mazda. The couple didn't know that the car they'd stolen on December ninth had been under surveillance by authorities. As Jeff was apprehended, Jill fled in their van, leading authorities on an eleven mile high speed chase that ended in a hail of gunfire only about five miles from the parking lot where it all began. According to witnesses, as she fired at those pursuing her, she sped into a residential subdivision, where she became cornered. The layout of the neighborhood was one where the same road that was the entrance was also the exit, and it left her in a position with no escape, said Joseph Piscatelli, a resident of the subdivision at the time. Quote, there must have been forty police cars sirens blaring. As soon as as the van turned in the other cars blocked the entrance. She crashed the van into a sign at the front of a townhouse development. So, before we go on, the end of Jill's life is traumatic, and this is the first of those two warnings regarding the discussion of suicide. So if you would prefer not to hear, jump ahead about twenty seconds and we will meet you there. According to the Cook County Medical Examiner's Office, both the autopsy and police investigation determined that while Jill was wounded by gunfire in the shootout with police and federal agents, they had been non fatal injuries found in the back of the van. Jill had died of a self inflicted gunshot wound.

That maroon Mazda. The couple didn't know that the car they'd stolen on December ninth had been under surveillance by authorities. As Jeff was apprehended, Jill fled in their van, leading authorities on an eleven mile high speed chase that ended in a hail of gunfire only about five miles from the parking lot where it all began. According to witnesses, as she fired at those pursuing her, she sped into a residential subdivision, where she became cornered. The layout of the neighborhood was one where the same road that was the entrance was also the exit, and it left her in a position with no escape, said Joseph Piscatelli, a resident of the subdivision at the time. Quote, there must have been forty police cars sirens blaring. As soon as as the van turned in the other cars blocked the entrance. She crashed the van into a sign at the front of a townhouse development. So, before we go on, the end of Jill's life is traumatic, and this is the first of those two warnings regarding the discussion of suicide. So if you would prefer not to hear, jump ahead about twenty seconds and we will meet you there. According to the Cook County Medical Examiner's Office, both the autopsy and police investigation determined that while Jill was wounded by gunfire in the shootout with police and federal agents, they had been non fatal injuries found in the back of the van. Jill had died of a self inflicted gunshot wound.

We are now going to take a break for a word from our sponsors. When we return, we will talk about Jeff's arrest and his trial.

We are now going to take a break for a word from our sponsors. When we return, we will talk about Jeff's arrest and his trial.

Welcome back to Criminalia. Let's talk about Jeff's case, starting with his booking.

Welcome back to Criminalia. Let's talk about Jeff's case, starting with his booking.

When Jeff was apprehended, he was super fixated on police procedure. He pointed out to the FBI agents who arrested him any and every little thing they were doing wrong and stated he noticed a variety of errors while he was being booked into the Metropolitan Correctional Center. As he stood handcuffed in a Chicago courtroom before United States Magistrate Judge Rebecca Palmyer, the press described him wearing quote, a long sleeved white T shirt, blue jeans, and white high top basketball shoes without laces. Newspapers also described him as quote stocky. I added this because they always talk about what the women wore, and with a life of me, I couldn't think of any any time where they described in court with the man war and so I felt like that was important information toward him.

When Jeff was apprehended, he was super fixated on police procedure. He pointed out to the FBI agents who arrested him any and every little thing they were doing wrong and stated he noticed a variety of errors while he was being booked into the Metropolitan Correctional Center. As he stood handcuffed in a Chicago courtroom before United States Magistrate Judge Rebecca Palmyer, the press described him wearing quote, a long sleeved white T shirt, blue jeans, and white high top basketball shoes without laces. Newspapers also described him as quote stocky. I added this because they always talk about what the women wore, and with a life of me, I couldn't think of any any time where they described in court with the man war and so I felt like that was important information toward him.

Right.

Right.

Although defense attorney Daniel Alexander stated Jeff was not a flight risk, the judge ordered him to be held in the federal lockup at the Dirkson Federal Building, a federal court complex in the Chicago Loop District downtown, pending his detention hearing.

Although defense attorney Daniel Alexander stated Jeff was not a flight risk, the judge ordered him to be held in the federal lockup at the Dirkson Federal Building, a federal court complex in the Chicago Loop District downtown, pending his detention hearing.

On the same day as Ericson's arrest, Magistrate Judge Pallmyer also issued a warrant to search the Ericson residents in Hanover Park, Okay. Specifically, the warrant provided that agents could search for the following items United States currency, money, straps and rappers, a black semi automatic pistol, a two to twenty three caliber weapon and other guns. A dark colored beard, mustache and wig, black sunglasses, ordable police scanner, Chicago Cubs baseball cap, red nylon gym bag, ammunition, and auto theft tools.

On the same day as Ericson's arrest, Magistrate Judge Pallmyer also issued a warrant to search the Ericson residents in Hanover Park, Okay. Specifically, the warrant provided that agents could search for the following items United States currency, money, straps and rappers, a black semi automatic pistol, a two to twenty three caliber weapon and other guns. A dark colored beard, mustache and wig, black sunglasses, ordable police scanner, Chicago Cubs baseball cap, red nylon gym bag, ammunition, and auto theft tools.

On February twelfth, nineteen ninety two, Jeff Erickson was indicted on federal charges of holding up eight financial institutions and on state charges of shooting an Illinois police officer. He pleaded not guilty. The FBI hadn't been sure at first how and if Jill was involved in the robberies. They eventually figured out after her death that she had been a co conspirator and if alive, she would have been charged in the planning and execution of these bank robberies.

On February twelfth, nineteen ninety two, Jeff Erickson was indicted on federal charges of holding up eight financial institutions and on state charges of shooting an Illinois police officer. He pleaded not guilty. The FBI hadn't been sure at first how and if Jill was involved in the robberies. They eventually figured out after her death that she had been a co conspirator and if alive, she would have been charged in the planning and execution of these bank robberies.

After twenty two months robbing banks, Jeff went on trial for bank robbery for more than one hundred and eighty thousand dollars in court. Witnesses of those robberies generally described the bearded bandit as an approximately six feet three inches tall mail weighing approximately two hundred and twenty pounds. They described how he wore a fake beard and had an aggressive nature about him, brandishing weapons and verbally threatening bank employees during the hold ups. United States attorney Victoria Peters stated that a total of eleven bank employees and one customer had positively identified Jeff Erickson as the quote bearded bank robber. Other witnesses, though, had failed the prosecution's case. For instance, when one employee of Savings of America Bank, which was held up on March fifth, nineteen ninety was asked in court to identify the robber, they picked out a reporter for the Chicago Tribune instead of Ericson.

After twenty two months robbing banks, Jeff went on trial for bank robbery for more than one hundred and eighty thousand dollars in court. Witnesses of those robberies generally described the bearded bandit as an approximately six feet three inches tall mail weighing approximately two hundred and twenty pounds. They described how he wore a fake beard and had an aggressive nature about him, brandishing weapons and verbally threatening bank employees during the hold ups. United States attorney Victoria Peters stated that a total of eleven bank employees and one customer had positively identified Jeff Erickson as the quote bearded bank robber. Other witnesses, though, had failed the prosecution's case. For instance, when one employee of Savings of America Bank, which was held up on March fifth, nineteen ninety was asked in court to identify the robber, they picked out a reporter for the Chicago Tribune instead of Ericson.

And let's not forget that Jeff's crimes were not limited to armed bank robbery. He also faced state charges in the wounding of police officer Kevin Marr, who tried to stop him for traffic violation in November of nineteen ninety one. On July sixteenth, officer Mar recounted in his testimony his run in with a man he called the quote bearded gunman, but he was not able to identify that man as Jeff Ericsson. Previous to his testimony, though jurors had already heard that the FBI determined that shellcasings found at the scene of the traffic stopped shooting came from a gun found in the Ericson residence. Jeff may have been unrecognizable in his fake beard and dark sunglasses, but there was forensic evidence to link him to that scene regardless.

And let's not forget that Jeff's crimes were not limited to armed bank robbery. He also faced state charges in the wounding of police officer Kevin Marr, who tried to stop him for traffic violation in November of nineteen ninety one. On July sixteenth, officer Mar recounted in his testimony his run in with a man he called the quote bearded gunman, but he was not able to identify that man as Jeff Ericsson. Previous to his testimony, though jurors had already heard that the FBI determined that shellcasings found at the scene of the traffic stopped shooting came from a gun found in the Ericson residence. Jeff may have been unrecognizable in his fake beard and dark sunglasses, but there was forensic evidence to link him to that scene regardless.

Before we continue, this is our second of those two warnings regarding the discussion of suicide. So if you would prefer not to hear this part of the story, just jump ahead about sixty seconds and we will meet you there. It was shortly before five thirty pm on July twentieth, nineteen ninety two, in an underground garage of the Dirkson Federal Building when Jeff unexpectedly yelled quote, I'm going to take everybody with me. Jeff, an expert marksman, shot and killed United States Marshal Roy Frakes and also a General Services Administration security guard named Harry Beloomini, before taking his own life in what seems to have been a botched courthouse escape. It all happened as he and other prisoners were being prepared for transport back to the nearby federal lock up. According to reports, Belouomini, fatally wounded, managed to fire four bullets at Jeff, one of which struck him in the back. It was a fatal hit, stated FBI spokeswoman Deborah Jones of the violent scene, quote, Jeff knew he was already dying when he shot himself.

Before we continue, this is our second of those two warnings regarding the discussion of suicide. So if you would prefer not to hear this part of the story, just jump ahead about sixty seconds and we will meet you there. It was shortly before five thirty pm on July twentieth, nineteen ninety two, in an underground garage of the Dirkson Federal Building when Jeff unexpectedly yelled quote, I'm going to take everybody with me. Jeff, an expert marksman, shot and killed United States Marshal Roy Frakes and also a General Services Administration security guard named Harry Beloomini, before taking his own life in what seems to have been a botched courthouse escape. It all happened as he and other prisoners were being prepared for transport back to the nearby federal lock up. According to reports, Belouomini, fatally wounded, managed to fire four bullets at Jeff, one of which struck him in the back. It was a fatal hit, stated FBI spokeswoman Deborah Jones of the violent scene, quote, Jeff knew he was already dying when he shot himself.

Jeff had somehow freed himself of his handcuffs. A key was later found by his body, though no one ever was one hundred percent certain where or how he got it, and with a free hand, he wrestled a service Revolver away from a deputy United States Marshal. Officials believed his goal was to escape by disappearing into the rush hour crowds of downtown Chicago. Said John Stibbitch, chief of detectives for the Chicago Police Department. Quote, he was dressed in street clothes. He would have blended right in. Witnessed Terry Green stated he was returning home from work and was half a block away from the Federal building when he heard the gunfight between Jeff and authorities. Quote, it sounded like eight or nine shots. It sounded like firecrackers. It was about five fifteen or so, and people were just going home from work. It's just lucky no pedestrians were shot.

Jeff had somehow freed himself of his handcuffs. A key was later found by his body, though no one ever was one hundred percent certain where or how he got it, and with a free hand, he wrestled a service Revolver away from a deputy United States Marshal. Officials believed his goal was to escape by disappearing into the rush hour crowds of downtown Chicago. Said John Stibbitch, chief of detectives for the Chicago Police Department. Quote, he was dressed in street clothes. He would have blended right in. Witnessed Terry Green stated he was returning home from work and was half a block away from the Federal building when he heard the gunfight between Jeff and authorities. Quote, it sounded like eight or nine shots. It sounded like firecrackers. It was about five fifteen or so, and people were just going home from work. It's just lucky no pedestrians were shot.

After Jeff's death, Richard Mottweiler, a defense attorney who had been representing Jeff's, stated, quote, the day had gone very well. He was very upbeat all day. We had some good things happen from the defense side. I thought the government had not presented the quality evidence we'd expected, continued Mottwiler. Quote. When I talked to him, he was always soft spoken, light the side that came out last night. I never saw before.

After Jeff's death, Richard Mottweiler, a defense attorney who had been representing Jeff's, stated, quote, the day had gone very well. He was very upbeat all day. We had some good things happen from the defense side. I thought the government had not presented the quality evidence we'd expected, continued Mottwiler. Quote. When I talked to him, he was always soft spoken, light the side that came out last night. I never saw before.

What an amazingly tragic.

What an amazingly tragic.

Story it is. Would you like to make it a double as we kind of shake off the sadness of this one?

Story it is. Would you like to make it a double as we kind of shake off the sadness of this one?

Yes, let's make it a double.

Yes, let's make it a double.

Okay. Do you want to guess what the thing was that I fixated on in this story? Oh?

Okay. Do you want to guess what the thing was that I fixated on in this story? Oh?

No, Well, my brain immediately went was it the beard?

No, Well, my brain immediately went was it the beard?

But I didn't.

But I didn't.

I actually wasn't going to guess that, but that was my first brain click.

I actually wasn't going to guess that, but that was my first brain click.

The stolen Mazda, the Mazdas. I think the idea of a maroon Mazda being so critically tied to this criminal duo, there's a little bit of comedy to it. Most people are not like, yeah, I drove a Mansta. I mean there was. I'm not. I'm not in any way dogging on Mazda's. I for a while wanted nothing more in my life than a Mazda five, which I never bought. I mean, I wanted a minivan. I'm not a mom. I don't have you know, a soccer team. I just thought, like, think of all the fabric I could put in that car, but all the things you could.

The stolen Mazda, the Mazdas. I think the idea of a maroon Mazda being so critically tied to this criminal duo, there's a little bit of comedy to it. Most people are not like, yeah, I drove a Mansta. I mean there was. I'm not. I'm not in any way dogging on Mazda's. I for a while wanted nothing more in my life than a Mazda five, which I never bought. I mean, I wanted a minivan. I'm not a mom. I don't have you know, a soccer team. I just thought, like, think of all the fabric I could put in that car, but all the things you could.

Do with it, I know, And there are three Mastas. Actually in the story that he was driving a Mazda when he shot.

Do with it, I know, And there are three Mastas. Actually in the story that he was driving a Mazda when he shot.

Mar Yes, so many Mastas.

Mar Yes, so many Mastas.

So Masta really kind of is one big highlight in this story.

So Masta really kind of is one big highlight in this story.

But I wanted to focus on that maroon one, and so I got to thinking about how I would make a kind of maroon colored drink that like a Mazda. I mean, Mazta does make some very sporty cars, but they make a lot of you know, these are all kind of middle middle range, like the kind of reliable, cute cars that people would drive to go to work. And so I was thinking about a drink that looks, you know, harmless like a juice, but is in fact full of alcohol, so in fact not harmless. And I also wanted something with a surprising flavor. And this one has one ingredient that's an optional and I'll include it as I read the recipe, but I'll discuss afterwards why it is optional. So this drink is called Stolen Mazda, and it is two ounces of port wine like a red port, one ounce of cognac, a quarter ounce of vanilla liqueur uh, and then you can just stir these together in a glass pour it into your strain it into your like a rock's glass with fresh ice, and then top it with two to three ounces of low sugar or sugar free ginger ale. It looks like you're gonna drink grape juice or something of that nature. And then you're like, whoa wine taste?

But I wanted to focus on that maroon one, and so I got to thinking about how I would make a kind of maroon colored drink that like a Mazda. I mean, Mazta does make some very sporty cars, but they make a lot of you know, these are all kind of middle middle range, like the kind of reliable, cute cars that people would drive to go to work. And so I was thinking about a drink that looks, you know, harmless like a juice, but is in fact full of alcohol, so in fact not harmless. And I also wanted something with a surprising flavor. And this one has one ingredient that's an optional and I'll include it as I read the recipe, but I'll discuss afterwards why it is optional. So this drink is called Stolen Mazda, and it is two ounces of port wine like a red port, one ounce of cognac, a quarter ounce of vanilla liqueur uh, and then you can just stir these together in a glass pour it into your strain it into your like a rock's glass with fresh ice, and then top it with two to three ounces of low sugar or sugar free ginger ale. It looks like you're gonna drink grape juice or something of that nature. And then you're like, whoa wine taste?

So right, well that's a lot of alcohol.

So right, well that's a lot of alcohol.

Yeah, if you like the taste of wine, if you like that that rounded port wine flavor, leave out the vanilla liquur. But if you don't like for something to taste like it has a wine note in it, which some people don't like that taste. They find it bitters on their tongue, add the vanilla liquor. That's the only change a room. This one was. It's oddly sippable. Those are like port and Konyak are heavy heavy, yeah, flavor heavy alcohols, and yet because of the ginger ale, and because you're keeping that low sugar it it doesn't taste terribly heavy. It's a weird thing that happens.

Yeah, if you like the taste of wine, if you like that that rounded port wine flavor, leave out the vanilla liquur. But if you don't like for something to taste like it has a wine note in it, which some people don't like that taste. They find it bitters on their tongue, add the vanilla liquor. That's the only change a room. This one was. It's oddly sippable. Those are like port and Konyak are heavy heavy, yeah, flavor heavy alcohols, and yet because of the ginger ale, and because you're keeping that low sugar it it doesn't taste terribly heavy. It's a weird thing that happens.

Is it the ginger or the bubbles.

Is it the ginger or the bubbles.

It's the combo, I mean, because you're getting the cut through of the flavor from the ginger and then the bubbles lighten up the whole. The whole thing, just like there are If this sounds wacky to you and you're like, I've never heard of that, there are actually a variety of drinks that include konyak and uh soda. That's not something I ever think of as combining with soda, but there are drinks that do it. Similarly, we've talked on the show before about Kalimocho and tinted Diverano, which are are wine drinks that combine wine with soda. So there are some precedents here to make the mocktail. It is an easy little sub out. Instead of port, you're gonna use pomegranate juice, and instead of cognac, you're gonna use black tea. If you want that vanilla note, you're gonna use a vanilla syrup. And then you just keep your your low sugar sugar free ginger ale. I would really, really, really emphasize the sugar free on that one, because the pomegranate juice sweetens it up so much that otherwise you're gonna have a little bit of a sugar bomb. If you love a sugar bomb, go for it. Full sugar. I can't handle it. But yeah, so that is the stolen Mazda, which looks pretty benign and like a glass of juice, and then it's full of all kinds of alcohol. I mean, I'll put cognac in everything. I'll put cognac in eggs. I don't care. I love it, but this is a fun way to include it. It's also a good way if you're like me and you a case get a port, but you're not a big wine drinker. I like to come up with drinks that I can mix port into because it just, you know, it often does some really cool things, and you know, you can use it up that way. You don't want to sitting around for too too long.

It's the combo, I mean, because you're getting the cut through of the flavor from the ginger and then the bubbles lighten up the whole. The whole thing, just like there are If this sounds wacky to you and you're like, I've never heard of that, there are actually a variety of drinks that include konyak and uh soda. That's not something I ever think of as combining with soda, but there are drinks that do it. Similarly, we've talked on the show before about Kalimocho and tinted Diverano, which are are wine drinks that combine wine with soda. So there are some precedents here to make the mocktail. It is an easy little sub out. Instead of port, you're gonna use pomegranate juice, and instead of cognac, you're gonna use black tea. If you want that vanilla note, you're gonna use a vanilla syrup. And then you just keep your your low sugar sugar free ginger ale. I would really, really, really emphasize the sugar free on that one, because the pomegranate juice sweetens it up so much that otherwise you're gonna have a little bit of a sugar bomb. If you love a sugar bomb, go for it. Full sugar. I can't handle it. But yeah, so that is the stolen Mazda, which looks pretty benign and like a glass of juice, and then it's full of all kinds of alcohol. I mean, I'll put cognac in everything. I'll put cognac in eggs. I don't care. I love it, but this is a fun way to include it. It's also a good way if you're like me and you a case get a port, but you're not a big wine drinker. I like to come up with drinks that I can mix port into because it just, you know, it often does some really cool things, and you know, you can use it up that way. You don't want to sitting around for too too long.

I loved that you focused on the Mazdas because they're like because they are just these innocent car victims parked in parking lots that got to do terrible things.

I loved that you focused on the Mazdas because they're like because they are just these innocent car victims parked in parking lots that got to do terrible things.

I mean, I think right the reason my brain went there is because this story is very heavy in a lot of ways. Oh yeah, it's there's a lot of darkness to it, and so I think my brain is like in that KOOKI they stole a bunch.

I mean, I think right the reason my brain went there is because this story is very heavy in a lot of ways. Oh yeah, it's there's a lot of darkness to it, and so I think my brain is like in that KOOKI they stole a bunch.

Of Mazdas, and then there's our drink.

Of Mazdas, and then there's our drink.

So yes, that is the stolen Mazda. If you make it, I hope you find it delicious. I am so grateful, as I know Maria is as well, that you've spent this time with us, and I hope you'll be back next week because we will have another story and an their drink to go with it. Criminalia is a production of Shondaland Audio in partnership with iHeartRadio. For more podcasts from Shondaland Audio, please visit the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen to your favorite shows.

So yes, that is the stolen Mazda. If you make it, I hope you find it delicious. I am so grateful, as I know Maria is as well, that you've spent this time with us, and I hope you'll be back next week because we will have another story and an their drink to go with it. Criminalia is a production of Shondaland Audio in partnership with iHeartRadio. For more podcasts from Shondaland Audio, please visit the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen to your favorite shows.