Today In History with The Retrospectors Leopold And Loeb: Life Plus 99 Years
Sep 10, 2024
Nathan Leopold and Richard Loeb, wealthy teenagers and lovers involved in a notorious 1924 murder, discuss their shocking crime and its implications. They reveal how their trial showcased societal privilege and classism, as public opinion was largely influenced by their wealth. The duo delves into their chilling motivations, referencing Nietzsche’s idea of the Superman as they reflect on their brutal actions. They also explain their failed ransom scheme and the complex role their defense attorney played in the courtroom drama. A haunting exploration of psychological and ethical dilemmas.
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Class Privilege
- Detectives parked away from Loeb's house to avoid embarrassing his family.
- This showed the deference given to his family's social standing.
Differing Obsessions
- Both Leopold and Loeb were highly intelligent, but their obsessions differed.
- Leopold was drawn to Nietzsche's "Superman" concept, while Loeb focused on executing the "perfect crime."
The Crime
- Leopold and Loeb lured Bobby Franks into their car, murdered him, and hid his body.
- They even stopped for hot dogs and root beer with the body in the backseat.