Though identified as coal miners, Frank "Curly" Hines, 28, was under bond in some central Illinois cities for auto theft, he was also a suspected bootlegger as well as hijacker. His brother in-law, 27-year old Smith Tucker had no police record.
On this date in 1929, Hines and Tucker were driving near Wilsonville, Illinois, Hines at the wheel when a large blue sedan came up from behind. On version has it that someone from the sedan called to Hines, who pulled over. Two guys got out of the car and, as Hines approached then, a machine gun opened fire. With numerous wounds, including four to the head. Hines fell to the ground. The gun man then turned his weapon towards the car and let forth another burst which took car of Tucker. The other version is that the killers opened fire as the sedan passed the duo and Hines dropped over the wheel dead, while Tucker took a blast trying to get out of the car. Either way, the boys were done.
It's possible that Hines may have hijacked some good hooch from the wrong St. Louis's gang and paid the price.
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