This podcast episode tells the story of a newborn baby's kidnapping from a Chicago hospital. It explores the investigation into an abandoned toddler, the struggles of the Rosenthal family, and the ongoing mystery surrounding the kidnapped victim's identity. It concludes with a journey of self-discovery and belonging for the victim.
The podcast discusses the unsolved case of Paul Franzak, who was kidnapped as a baby from a Chicago hospital in 1964.
The investigation into Paul's abduction involved an extensive manhunt conducted by the Chicago Police Department and the FBI.
Paul's journey to uncover his true identity through DNA testing led to the breakdown of his marriage but ultimately brought him a sense of belonging and connection with his biological family.
Deep dives
Operation Burks, a Cybersecurity Fraud Investigation
The podcast episode discusses Operation Burks, an urgent cybersecurity fraud case. It reveals that a syndicate was stealing money from Australian superannuation and share trading accounts, leading to a race against time to stop the theft. The investigators had to unravel a complex web of false accounts and exploit vulnerabilities in the system. Burner phones and a kebab order played crucial roles in the case.
The Kidnapping of Paul Franzak
The podcast episode explores the case of Paul Franzak, who was kidnapped as a baby from a Chicago hospital in 1964. The episode provides details of the kidnapping, including the nurse impersonator who took Paul and the subsequent investigation. It highlights the extensive manhunt conducted by the Chicago Police Department and the FBI. Despite efforts to locate Paul, the case went cold and remained unsolved for 50 years.
The Abandoned Toddler Jack Rosenthal
The podcast episode tells the story of Jack Rosenthal, who was abandoned as a toddler outside a department store in Newark, New Jersey. It reveals the circumstances surrounding his abandonment, his discovery by authorities, and the subsequent efforts to identify him. The episode also delves into Jack's later realization that his true identity was tied to the Rosenthal family in Atlantic City and his search for his missing twin sister, Jill.
Identification and Reunion
After being kidnapped as a baby, Paul Franzak was identified as the missing child through blood tests and ear examination. He was reunited with his biological parents and legally adopted. The family settled in Chicago and eventually welcomed another child. However, as Paul grew up, he felt a disconnect with his family and decided to explore his true identity through DNA testing.
Uncovering the Truth
Paul's DNA test revealed that he was not the biological son of Dora and Chester Franzak. With the help of a genetic genealogist, he discovered his true identity as Jack Rosenthal. He learned that his biological parents were Lorraine Fountain and Gilbert Rosenthal. The search for his twin sister, Jill, continues, and the mysterious circumstances surrounding his abduction and abandonment remain unsolved. Paul's journey to uncover the truth led to the breakdown of his marriage but ultimately brought him a sense of belonging and connection with his biological family.
*** Content warning: Crimes against children, child abuse, domestic abuse, alcoholism *** On April 27 1964, young mother Dora Fronczak was in her hospital bed feeding her one-day-old son, Paul, when a nurse entered the room and said she had to take Paul back to the nursery. Dora handed her baby over, and the nurse hurried out of the room. Still carrying baby Paul, the nurse fled the hospital through a rear entrance and disappeared into Chicago’s city streets.
