The Man Who Escaped Death Twice: The Dillinger Files | The Missing Files

The Missing Files: Cold cases, evidence & unanswered questions · Oct 7, 2026 · 12m

In this episode of The Missing Files, host Madison Rogers dissects the complex and violent life of John Herbert Dillinger, exploring how a troubled youth from Indiana became America's most notorious public enemy during the Great Depression. This narrative goes beyond the sensational headlines to examine the psychological roots of Dillinger’s criminality, including his abusive upbringing, the early loss of his mother, and the pivotal moment his father’s advice led to a harsh prison sentence that shattered his family ties. Listeners will learn about the specific events that transformed a…