Compiled and written by David R. Schleper, 2020
Ruth Gardner (1933)
Ruth Gardner. Or Laura Jensen. Or Ruth Redtke, or Ruth Warner.
She escaped from the State Reformatory for Women in Shakopee on Feb. 20, 1933.
Ruth was 22 years old, 5’6 5/8” and 109 pounds. She has light brown hair, hazel eyes, and a sallow complexion.
Ruth was a clever forger. She operated in Ohio, Michigan, and Minnesota.
She always presented her victims with a fraudulent letter from an insurance company. The forged check was usually for about $70.
If you find Ruth, apprehend and deliver her to an officer of the Minnesota State Reformatory for Women in Shakopee. You will get a $25 reward!
Thumbing a Ride (1948)
On Aug. 21, 1948, at 8 p.m., a woman escaped from the reformatory in Shakopee.
She was working in the fields, made her way to the Holmes Street Bridge, and crossed to the north end.
She started to thumb a ride.
John P. Wermerkirschen pulled up, and the woman got into the car. As he drove, Wermerskirchen asked her name.
“None of your business!” she responded. “What is YOUR name?”
The driver answered, short and sweet, “You’ll be surprised. I am the sheriff.”
Her ride ended shortly after…back to the reformatory!
Lucille Keppen Released from Prison at Age 93 (2007)
“Does it hurt?” Lucille said. “I really want it to hurt because you hurt me so deeply, and I was so good to you.”
Lucille Keppen, age 88, shot Stephen Flesche in 2002.
The inmates nicknamed her “Grandma.”
When she got out at age 93, the first thing she wanted to do was go to Perkins!
Lucille was the oldest prisoner of the Minnesota Correctional Facility in Shakopee.
Teen Murderer Flees Jail to See the Smashing Pumpkins (1998)
Seventeen-year-old Pamela D. Keary really wanted to see the Smashing Pumpkins.
She was serving a 12-year sentence for second-degree murder.
She joined 100,000 fans to see the show at the Hennepin Avenue Block Party.
She was arrested at midnight and removed to the segregated unit.