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History on Trial
The Crime of the Century
Jun 20, 2024
Nathan Leopold and Richard Loeb, affluent teenagers turned infamous criminals, discuss their chilling case from 1924, where the shocking murder of 14-year-old Bobby Franks drew national attention. They delve into their motivations and the societal reactions surrounding their high-profile trial. Clarence Darrow, the renowned defense attorney, joins the conversation, revealing his tactical approach to transforming public perception and navigating the complexities of justice. Together, they explore themes of remorse, redemption, and the relentless pursuit of truth through media coverage.
01:09:45
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Quick takeaways
- The 1924 murder of Bobby Franks by wealthy teenagers Leopold and Loeb horrified the nation and challenged perceptions of privilege and morality.
- Clarence Darrow's defense pivoted from insanity to a plea for mercy, highlighting the psychological complexities of the young defendants' backgrounds.
Deep dives
The Kidnapping and Discovery
Bobby Franks, a 14-year-old boy, went missing on a spring day in 1924, prompting concern from his parents, Jacob and Flora Franks. After a night of worrying, they received a shocking phone call indicating that Bobby had been kidnapped. Despite the kidnappers' claim that he was safe, the family's hopes were dashed when news broke of a boy's body being discovered near Wolf Lake. The identification of Bobby's remains, confirmed by his uncle, led to a harrowing realization for the Franks family as they now faced the reality of their son's murder.
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Discover
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Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode