Lindbergh Kidnapping
The Trial that Changed Law
The Victum
Charles A. Lindbergh Jr. was taken from his home in the evening of March 1st, 1932. The child was only 20 months old when he was kidnapped. Two months later, Charles's body was found a short distance from the Lindbergh's home. From the condition of the body, it appears that the child died the night of the kidnapping, despite several ransom notes asking for money in exchange for the child.
The Kidnapping
A Summary of the Kidnapping of Charles Lindbergh:
- The child's nurse leaves the nursery around 9pm
- The nurse noticed the boy's absence at about 10pm
- Police are called and there is an investigation of the nursery
- Footprints near the window, a ransom note on the window sill, and a ladder outside the window were found
- Household and estate employees were questioned
- More ransom notes appeared, raising the ransom from $50,000 to $70,000
- A total of 13 ransom notes were left
Wanted Poster
Posters like this one were used in hopes of finding the missing child.
1st Ransom Note
It reads: Dear Sir,
Have 50,000$ redy 25000$ in 20$ bills 15000$ in 10$ bills and 10000$ in 5$ bills. After 2-4 days will inform you were to deliver the Mony.
We warn you for making anyding public or for notify the Polise the child is in gut care.
Indication for all letters are singnature and 3 holds.
Bruno Richard Hauptmann
The accused kidnapper and murderer. Hauptmann was tried and found guilty of first degree murder; his punishment was execution by electric chair.
The Discovery
Charles's body, which was found by accident, was found face down in the dirt, covered in leaves and insects. It was already decomposing, and was little more than a skeleton by the time it was found. The boy's left hand, left leg from the knee down, right arm, and most internal organs were missing, scavenged by animals in the area. It was concluded that the cause of death was a fracture to the skull.
Does the name Lindbergh sound familiar?
You most likely recognize the name from the famous pilot, Charles Lindbergh Sr. He was the first man to fly across the Atlantic. During this time period, he was the most famous man in the world.
Want more?
There is so much more to this incredible story! If you're wanting the full story, conspiracy theories, or have questions, just ask me!