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Today in History: Leopold and Loeb murder boy seeking perfect crime

5/21/2026

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Summary

Story summary

On May 21, 1924, University of Chicago students Nathan Leopold Jr. and Richard Loeb kidnapped and murdered 14-year-old Bobby Franks in Chicago. Driven by a thrill-seeking desire to execute a “perfect crime,” they planned the killing in advance, seeking excitement rather than profit, and later confessed to the premeditated act.

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Story summary

On May 21, 1924, University of Chicago students Nathan Leopold Jr. and Richard Loeb kidnapped and murdered 14-year-old Bobby Franks in Chicago. Driven by a thrill-seeking desire to execute a “perfect crime,” they planned the killing in advance, seeking excitement rather than profit, and later confessed to the premeditated act.