History Daily: The Murder of Bobby Franks

Episode Release Date: May 21, 2025
Host: Lindsay Graham | Produced by Airship, Noiser, Wondery

Introduction

On this episode of History Daily, host Lindsay Graham delves into one of the most infamous murder cases of the early 20th century: the brutal killing of 14-year-old Bobby Franks. This case not only shocked the nation due to the heinous nature of the crime but also because the perpetrators were two young, affluent students who turned on each other during the ensuing trial. Graham takes listeners through the intricate details of the event, the investigation, and the landmark legal battle that followed.

The Perpetrators: Nathan Leopold and Richard Loeb

The story begins by introducing Nathan Leopold and Richard Loeb, two exceptionally intelligent 18-year-olds from privileged backgrounds who shared a deep fascination with criminology. Both had completed their education early due to their intellectual prowess. Leopold had graduated from the University of Chicago, while Loeb was the youngest graduate from the University of Michigan. Their mutual interests and intellect led them to form a close friendship, which eventually evolved into a romantic relationship.

[Spring Transcript Excerpt: 00:12]
Narrator: "The two young men became friends and then lovers. But Richard and Nathan share more than just a privileged background and above-average intelligence. They both have a passion for criminology, and their interest goes beyond theory."

The Path to Crime

Driven by boredom and a desire to execute what they considered "the perfect crime," Leopold and Loeb meticulously planned the abduction and murder of a random victim. Initially, they attempted a burglary of the Zeta Beta Tau fraternity house at the University of Michigan but were dissatisfied with the minimal loot they acquired—only $80, a few watches, and a typewriter.

Frustrated by the lack of excitement, Richard confided in Nathan his ambition to commit murder, believing it would elevate their criminal endeavors to a more thrilling level. This confession marked the turning point from petty crime to premeditated murder.

[05:21]
Narrator: "Richard suggests they carry out the perfect crime, aiming for a murder that would leave no trace and mystify the authorities."

The Murder of Bobby Franks

On May 21, 1924, Leopold and Loeb executed their plan. Targeting Bobby Franks, Richard's 14-year-old cousin, was serendipitous rather than random. They lured Bobby into their car under the guise of offering him a ride home from school. Once inside, they overpowered him, subduing him with a chisel before driving to Wolf Lake, Indiana, where they brutally murdered him and disposed of his body.

[00:45] Lindsey Graham: "Within moments of his abduction, Bobby Franks will be dead."

The Investigation and Clues

The discovery of Bobby's body the following morning in a culvert near Wolf Lake set off a swift investigation. Officers found the boy naked with burn marks on his face, alongside a single stocking and horn-rimmed glasses. The absence of immediate links to the crime made identifying the perpetrators challenging initially.

Meanwhile, in Chicago, Bobby's father, Jacob Franks, received a ransom note demanding $10,000 for his son's safe return. Soon after, the police linked the ransom note to the discovered body, realizing it was indeed Bobby.

[10:37]
Narrator: "Jacob carefully opens the letter. It says he must pay $10,000 if he wants to see his son again."

The Arrests of Leopold and Loeb

A breakthrough occurred when detectives traced the unique pair of horn-rimmed glasses found at the crime scene to Nathan Leopold. Upon interrogating Leopold, the case against him appeared circumstantial but strengthened when evidence, including love letters between Leopold and Loeb, cast doubt on their alibis.

Richard Loeb was subsequently questioned and initially corroborated Leopold's alibi. However, inconsistencies in his statements led to his breakdown and eventual confession. Both young men admitted to the crime but vehemently blamed each other for the actual act of murder.

[15:04]
Clarence Darrow: "Ladies and gentlemen of the court..."

The Trial and Clarence Darrow's Defense

The high-profile trial attracted nationwide attention, not least because the defense was helmed by the renowned attorney Clarence Darrow. Darrow opted for a guilty plea to expedite the trial process, avoiding a jury trial that might be swayed by public sentiment.

During the sentencing hearing, Darrow presented an impassioned defense, arguing that Leopold and Loeb were victims of their psychological and environmental influences. He highlighted their abusive upbringing and questioned their mental stability, suggesting that their intellect and privilege isolated them from empathy and moral responsibility.

[16:21] Unknown Ads Segment (Skipped)

Clarence Darrow's strategy was unprecedented. He aimed to prevent a jury from sentencing the two young men to death by appealing directly to the judge's sense of justice and mercy.

[17:20] Lindsey Graham: "Made by a judge alone."

After a grueling eight-hour plea, Darrow successfully convinced the judge to spare Leopold and Loeb from capital punishment. Instead, they were sentenced to life imprisonment plus 99 years for kidnapping.

Aftermath and Legacy

The verdict sent shockwaves through America. While legal experts lauded Darrow's arguments, many ordinary citizens were outraged that two young, wealthy men avoided the death penalty. The case sparked widespread debate on the death penalty and the influence of wealth and intellect in the justice system.

Nathan Leopold and Richard Loeb began their sentences at Joliet Prison. Their lives took divergent paths post-incarceration. Richard Loeb was murdered in prison in 1936, twelve years after his sentencing, while Nathan Leopold served 34 years before being paroled and lived until 1971.

Conclusion

The murder of Bobby Franks remains a pivotal moment in American legal history, illustrating the complexities of justice, privilege, and the human psyche. Clarence Darrow's defense not only saved Leopold and Loeb from execution but also set significant legal precedents that influenced future capital cases.

[19:31] Lindsey Graham: "From Noiser and Airship, this is History Daily."

Join us next time on History Daily as we explore another pivotal event that shaped our world, one day at a time.

Credits:
Hosted, edited, and executive produced by Lindsey Graham
Audio editing by Mohammed Shahzib
Sound design by Matthew Filler
Music by Thrum
Research and writing by Rob Scragg
Edited by Scott Reeves
Managing Producer: Emily Burke
Executive Producers: William Simpson (Airship), Pascal Hughes (Noiser)

Notable Quotes:

• Lindsey Graham [00:12]: "The brutal murder case will hit the headlines and shock the entire nation."
• Lindsey Graham [00:45]: "Within moments of his abduction, Bobby Franks will be dead."
• Clarence Darrow [15:04]: (Excerpt from trial arguments)
• Lindsey Graham [17:20]: "Made by a judge alone."

For more detailed stories of pivotal historical events, subscribe to History Daily on your favorite podcast platform.