Former FBI agent and criminal profiler Candice DeLong explores the case of Richard Loeb and Nathan Leopold and their attempt to commit the perfect murder. The podcast dives deep into their psyches, revealing the chilling murder of Bobby, the charges brought against them, and the early life and abuse they endured. It also explores the power dynamics between the two, their escalating crimes, and the murder that changed everything.
Most crimes are not as perfect as the perpetrators believe, often leading to their capture due to mistakes they make.
The psychological backgrounds of Nathan Leopold and Richard Loeb, including traumatic childhood experiences and a fascination with crime, contribute to their twisted motivations.
Deep dives
The Perfect Murder: The Flaws in Planning
The podcast discusses how most crimes are not as perfect as the perpetrators believe, often resulting in their capture due to various mistakes they make. An example is given of Nathan Leopold and Richard Loeb, who planned a 'perfect murder' in the 1920s but were ultimately caught due to accidentally leaving a pair of eyeglasses at the crime scene.
The Murder of Bobby Franks: A Brutal Crime
The podcast provides a detailed account of the murder committed by Nathan Leopold and Richard Loeb. They kidnapped and killed a young boy named Bobby Franks, sexually assaulted him, and disposed of his body in a forest preserve culvert. The podcast highlights the chilling details of the crime, including their nonchalant demeanor as they ate hot dogs and root beers while Bobby was dying in the backseat of their car.
Psychological Profiles: Leopold and Loeb
The podcast explores the psychological backgrounds of Nathan Leopold and Richard Loeb. Leopold's traumatic childhood experiences, including sexual abuse by a nanny, likely contributed to his sadistic tendencies and desire for control. Loeb, on the other hand, had a controlling and competitive upbringing, leading to a fascination with detective novels and a desire to commit crimes for the thrill of getting away with them. The podcast highlights the complex psyches of the killers and their twisted relationship.
In the first half of this two-part episode, former FBI agent and criminal profiler Candice DeLong explores the case of Richard Loeb and Nathan Leopold, two young men who murdered 14-year-old Bobby Franks. 19-year-old Nathan and 18-year-old Richard sought to commit what they called "the perfect murder." Candice dives deep into the psyches of the two men who perpetrated one of the most sensational crimes of the 20th century.
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