Lillian Holley

Lillian Mae Holley (; 11 August 1890 – 12 June 1994) was an American sheriff. She was famous for being the sheriff of Lake County, Indiana whose jail John Dillinger escaped from in 1934.

Career Lillian Holley took over as Lake County Sheriff after the former sheriff, her husband Roy F. Holley, was killed in action. Roy Holley was killed while attempting to arrest a farmer who had shot and killed a neighboring farmer in Ross. The farmer wounded seven police officers before killing himself. Lillian Holley served two years, finishing out her husband's second term as sheriff.

John Dillinger escape On March 3, 1934, John Dillinger escaped from the Lake County jail while Holley was serving as sheriff,

The press, as well as other officials, called attention to Holley's gender, saying it was the reason Dillinger managed to escape. Chicago Crime Commissioner Frank J. Loesch was quoted as saying, "That's what might be expected of having a woman for sheriff." Some media outlets were kinder to Holley. The Tulsa Daily World called Holley an excellent markswoman and quoted her as saying, "If I ever see John Dillinger again, I'll shoot him dead with my own pistol."

Personal life Holley was born 11 August 1890. She had two twin daughters, and at least two grandchildren.

She died 12 June 1994 in Crown Point, Indiana.