Illinois v. Nathan Leopold and Richard Loeb

Leopold and Loeb Nathan Leopold Jr. and Richard Loeb met in the Spring of 1920 in Chicago, IL. Met through mutual friend November > robbed Loeb’s former fraternity house “Compact”

Their First Crime Kidnapping Act -> Hamilton Buchman Spread rumors of homosexuality two years prior to the idea Breaking into fraternity house #2 -> Delta It was Leopold’s decision but Loeb was too afraid Failed attempt and fled after hearing noises around the house taking only a camera.

To Like Crime or Not To Like Crime? Loeb disliked the risk involved in crime. Leopold enjoyed crime. YET Leopold caved in and wouldn’t go through with certain crimes for Loeb’s sake. RESULTING in Leopold’s frustration and anger towards Loeb

The Perfect Crime: May 21st, 1924 Target -> Bobby Franks Lured Franks into the car Murdered him with several chisel blows to the head Drove to a marshland area near the Indiana line, stripped him down, pour hydrochloric acid over his body, then stuffed the body in a culvert Ransom note: Secure $10,000 in old, unmarked bills and expect further instructions

The Perfect Crime? Almost! Glasses were discovered with the body of Bobby Franks belonging to Leopold. Glasses had a unusual hinge and could be traced to Leopold optometrist in Chicago When asked in trial about the glasses, his reenactment was very impressive; made the questioning harder.

Their Alibis Leopold -> he was picking up girls in his car with Loeb and driving out to Lincoln park Loeb (interviewed separately) -> confirmed Leopold’s alibi Prosecution lawyer: Robert Crowe * typewritten notes taken from a school mate matched the type from the ransom note * Leopold’s chauffeur was certain the car never left the garage that day

The Truth Comes Out… Loeb confessed first, then Leopold Confessions differed only on who actually killed Franks. Later pleaded to admit to killing Franks Defense lawyer: Clarence Darrow and Benjamin Bachrach.

Darrow Wanted to change the plea from “not guilty” to “guilty.” ***The decision was made primarily to prevent the state from getting two opportunities to get a death sentence.*** Darrow wanted to change the plea cause the judge, John R. Caverly, was a kind man and he didn’t want to face a jury. Hoped psychiatrists would help the defense Prosecution argued that psychiatric plea would only be useful if there was evidence of mental disease.

The Trial Lasted one month Over a hundred witnessed testified August 22nd, > 12 hours spent reminding Judge Caverly of the defendant's youth and external influences that had led them to the crime. Darrow attacked the death penalty, saying it “roots back to the beast of the jungle.” Darrow told Judge Caverly that life sentence was punishment enough

The Decision Two weeks later Caverly made a decision that life in prison, not death, was the better punishment and doing no favors. Moved to Joliet penitentiary > Loeb was slashed and killed with a razor in a showeroom fight with another inmate. Leopold taught in the prison school, and worked for an x-ray technician. In 1958, after 34 years of confinement, Leopold was released and escaped to Puerto Rico. Died on August 30th, 1971