Materials used in leopoldandloeb.com include original works of authorship, works
for which copyright has expired, or works that we believe to fall within fair use
protection of copyright law. All original work is copyright M Rackliffe 2000-2013.
This is an educational, non-commercial site. Original work may not be reprinted without
permission, except as falls under "fair use".
On May 21, 1924, Nathan F Leopold, Jr (19), and Richard Albert Loeb (18), kidnaped and murdered Robert Franks (14.)
Why did they do it?
Dear Sir;
As you no doubt know by this time your son has been kidnapped. Allow me to assure
you that he is at present well and safe. You need fear no physical harm for him provided
you live up carefully to the following instructions, and to such others as you will
receive by future communications. Should you however, disobey any of our instructions
even slightly, his death will be the penalty.
For obvious reasons make absolutely no attempt to communicate with either police
authorities or any private agency. Should you already have communicated with the
police, allow them to continue their investigations, but do not mention this letter.
Secure before noon today $10,000. This money must be composed entirely of old bills
of the following denominations: $2000 in $20 bills, $8000 in $50 bills. The money
must be old. Any attempt to include new or marked bills will render the entire venture
futile.The money should be placed in a large cigar box, or if this is impossible,
in a heavy cardboard box, securely closed and wrapped in white paper. The wrapping
paper should be sealed at all openings with sealing wax.
Have the money with you, prepared as directed above, and remain at home after one
o'clock. See that the telephone is not in use.
You will receive a future communication instruction you as to your future orders.
