What could be more sensational than the kidnapping and murder of a child? If they demanded a ransom from the parents, so much the better.
Loeb wanted to commit a crime that would set all of Chicago talking. They had committed several burglaries together, and they had set fires on a couple of occasions, but none of their misdeeds had been reported in the newspapers. And as they continued to drive along the country roads in the direction of Chicago, Loeb started to talk about his idea to carry out the perfect crime. He complained bitterly that their relationship was too one-sided: he always joined Loeb in his escapades, yet Loeb held him at arm's length.Įventually Loeb managed to quiet Leopold's complaints with reassurances of his affection and loyalty. It had been a big effort for very little reward and now, on the journey back to Chicago, Leopold was querulous and argumentative. But they had managed to steal only $80 in loose change, a few watches, some penknives and a typewriter.
That evening, on November 10, 1923, he had agreed to drive with his friend and lover, Richard Loeb, from Chicago to the University of Michigan-a journey of six hours-to burglarize Loeb's former fraternity, Zeta Beta Tau. Nathan Leopold (left) and his lover Richard Loeb confessed that they had kidnapped and murdered Bobby Franks solely for the thrill of the experience.
