John Dillinger’s Family Defends its Turf
Notorious Midwestern gangster John Dillinger was gunned down at the age of 31 in 1934 outside Chicago’s Biography theater by federal agensts. In nearby Lake County, the Convention and Visitor’s Bureau thought it would be a good move to open a museum focusing on the Hoosier to rack in some dough.
The Bureau paid $417,500 for a collection of artifacts for its venture, and opened shop over 6 years ago. But they may get shut down: Dillinger’s great-nephew has a lawsuit pending in Crown Point (the site of Dillinger’s storied escape from the then new county jail), under Indiana Right of Publicity Statute (Ind. St 32-36-1), seeking to stop the museum’s commercial use of Dillinger’s name.
The statute prohibits such commercial use of another person’s name, voice, photograph, image, etc. during the person’s life or within 100 years of their death without prior approval of those holding the rights (transferred or inherited like other property).
The news-Sentinel is reporting that the lawsuit has survived some preliminary challenge: Public Enemy isn’t Public Property.
March 30th, 2006 10:58
A few years ago I met the grandnephew in Tucson, Arisona on his grand uncle John Dillinger. His name escapes me, yet he was kind enough to give me a photograph of John Dillinger (color).
I gave him a video on the JFK assassination and some reading material.
I have uncovered some paintings of an FBI agent Parker, Merle L. Parker along with plaques etc.
I remember he was an attorney for the Indiana Pacers basketball team.
If possible could you have him contact me at
bruce adamson — 831-465-9272
or via email at?
Thank you,