Wednesday May 22nd was intended to be the “ransom day.” Leopold and Loeb had a plan in which they would give the Franks’ a very elaborate set of instructions for them to follow to deliver the ransom. However things began to unravel, as Mr. Franks notified the police, and various mishaps occurred with the transportation he was supposed to use to deliver the ransom. And more importantly, the body of Bobby Franks was discovered in the Wolf Lake culvert. Leopold and Loeb were forced to abandon this part of their “perfect” plan.
A pair of glasses was discovered near the body, which where identified as Leopold’s, due to a unique hinging device. When questioned by the police, Leopold and Loeb offered false alibis that they had picked up two women in Leopold’s car. This alibi fell through when his chauffeur confirmed that his car had not been moved from the family garage. Eventually, Leopold and Loeb broke down and confessed, but blamed the other for the actual murder. It is still unknown who actually wielded the blows that killed Franks.
Almost instantly, the trial became a huge media spectacle. During their pre-trial jail-stays, both took full advantage of the public attention they received. Leopold and Loeb were facing capital charges of kidnapping and murder. Loeb’s family hired Clarence Darrow, a legendary defense attorney and strong opponent to the death penalty, to represent the boys. Darrow had both boys plead guilty to avoid having a jury trial, which would have most likely resulted in a conviction and the death penalty. He pled the case directly in front of the Cook County Circuit Court judge. Darrow was ultimately successful, as the judge sentenced Leopold and Loeb to life imprisonment for the murder and ninety-nine years for the kidnapping.
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| Clarence Darrow and his clients. |
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