Nathan Leopold and Richard Loeb shocked America in 1924 with their attempt at the “perfect crime.” The two wealthy University of Chicago students kidnapped and murdered 14-year-old Bobby Franks in Chicago. This sparked a media frenzy and earned the label “crime of the century.”
The Leopold and Loeb case captivated the nation, not only for its brutality but also for the defendants’ privileged backgrounds and their belief that they could commit the perfect murder. Their trial became a sensation, with famed attorney Clarence Darrow mounting a passionate defense against the death penalty.
Despite confessing to the crime, Leopold and Loeb avoided execution. They received life sentences plus 99 years for their actions. Loeb was killed by a fellow inmate in 1936, while Leopold gained parole in 1958 and moved to Puerto Rico. The case continues to fascinate the public, inspiring numerous books, films, and debates about criminal justice and the nature of evil.
The Infamous Crime
Nathan Leopold and Richard Loeb’s attempt at committing the “perfect crime” in 1924 shocked the nation. Their meticulous planning, brutal execution, and subsequent confession revealed a chilling tale of intellectual arrogance and moral depravity.
Plotting the Perfect Crime
Leopold and Loeb, both brilliant students at the University of Chicago, spent months meticulously planning their crime. They believed their superior intellects would allow them to commit a flawless murder and evade capture.
The young men chose kidnapping and murder as their ultimate criminal act. They acquired tools, planned escape routes, and even practiced their alibi.
Their victim selection was random, focusing on finding a child from a wealthy family to maximize ransom potential. The pair’s overconfidence in their abilities would ultimately lead to their downfall.
The Kidnapping and Murder of Bobby Franks
On May 21, 1924, Leopold and Loeb put their plan into action. They lured 14-year-old Bobby Franks into their rental car under the pretense of discussing a tennis racket.
Once inside the vehicle, Loeb struck Franks with a chisel, killing him. The duo then drove to a remote area, where they disposed of the body in a culvert.
They sent a ransom note to the Franks family, demanding $10,000. However, before the ransom could be paid, Bobby’s body was discovered.
Discovery and Confession
The police investigation quickly led to Leopold and Loeb. A key piece of evidence was a pair of eyeglasses found near the body, which were traced back to Leopold.
Under intense questioning, the two young men’s alibi crumbled. They turned on each other, each blaming the other for the actual murder.
Eventually, both Leopold and Loeb confessed to the crime, providing detailed accounts of their actions. Their admission shocked the public and led to what was dubbed the “trial of the century.”
Leopold and Loeb Trial
The Leopold and Loeb trial captivated the nation in 1924. It featured a prominent defense attorney arguing against the death penalty for two young murderers who had committed a horrific crime.
Clarence Darrow and the Defense
Clarence Darrow, a renowned lawyer, represented Nathan Leopold and Richard Loeb in their defense. He controversially decided to have the defendants plead guilty, avoiding a jury trial.
Darrow’s strategy focused on sparing his clients from execution. He argued that Leopold and Loeb were mentally ill and products of their upbringing.
The defense team brought in experts to testify about the defendants’ psychological states. They painted a picture of two brilliant but troubled young men who were not fully responsible for their actions.
The Case Against the Death Penalty
Darrow delivered a 12-hour closing argument against capital punishment. He argued that executing Leopold and Loeb would not deter future crimes or bring back Bobby Franks.
He emphasized their youth, stating that at 18 and 19, they were too young to be put to death. Darrow also highlighted the defendants’ willingness to plead guilty and confess to the crime.
The attorney appealed to Judge John R. Caverly’s sense of mercy. He argued that sparing their lives would be a more enlightened and humane choice than execution.
Verdict and Sentencing
On September 10, 1924, Judge Caverly announced his decision. He sentenced Leopold and Loeb to life imprisonment for the murder, plus 99 years for the kidnapping.
The judge cited the defendants’ youth as the main factor in his decision to spare them from the death penalty. He stated that he wanted to give them a chance at rehabilitation.
This verdict was seen as a victory for Darrow and opponents of capital punishment. It sparked debates about justice, rehabilitation, and the ethics of executing young offenders.
Aftermath and Legacy
The Leopold and Loeb case had far-reaching consequences that extended well beyond the courtroom. Their incarceration, rehabilitation efforts, and eventual fates shaped public perceptions and left an indelible mark on American culture.
Incarceration and Life in Prison
Nathan Leopold and Richard Loeb began serving their 99-year sentences at Joliet Prison in 1924. The two were initially kept together but were later separated. Loeb worked in the prison’s laundry and became a teacher in the prison school.
Leopold taught in the prison school and worked in the prison hospital. He also learned multiple languages and continued his intellectual pursuits behind bars.
In 1936, Loeb was fatally attacked by a fellow inmate with a razor blade. He died at the age of 30, leaving Leopold to serve his sentence alone.
Leopold’s Rehabilitation and Release
After Loeb’s death, Leopold focused intensely on his rehabilitation. He volunteered for malaria research experiments and worked in the prison hospital during a polio epidemic.
Leopold’s efforts at self-improvement and his contributions to prison life led to his parole in 1958, after serving 33 years. He moved to Puerto Rico, where he worked in various roles including as a medical technician and mathematics teacher.
In Puerto Rico, Leopold married and continued his charitable work. He wrote a book titled “Life Plus 99 Years” about his experiences. Leopold died in 1971 at the age of 66.
Cultural Impact and ‘Crime of the Century’
The Leopold and Loeb case was dubbed the “crime of the century” and continues to fascinate the public.
It inspired numerous books, plays, and films, including Alfred Hitchcock’s “Rope” and the novel “Compulsion” by Meyer Levin.
The case raised important questions about criminal psychology, the nature of evil, and the death penalty.
Clarence Darrow’s impassioned plea against capital punishment remains a landmark in legal history.
The term “thrill kill” entered popular lexicon due to this case, reflecting its impact on criminology and public understanding of motiveless crimes.