Charles L. \"Sonny\" Liston was an American professional boxer known for his toughness, punching power and intimidating appearance. He became World Heavyweight Champion in 1962 by knocking out Floyd Patterson in the first round.

Liston turned to crime and led a gang of toughs who committed muggings and armed robberies. He became known to the St. Louis police as the \"Yellow Shirt Bandit,\" due to the shirt he wore during robberies. Liston was caught in January 1950. He gave his age as 20, while the St. Louis Globe-Democrat reported that he was 22. Liston was convicted and sentenced to five years in Missouri State Penitentiary. His time in prison started on the first day of June 1950.