Images
The Lindbergh Family
Charles Augustus Lindbergh, Jr.,
Charles Lindbergh and Anne Morrow Lindbergh
Bruno Richard Hauptmann
Other Key Figures
John F. Condon, intermediary
Betty Gow, nursemaid
Violet Sharp, parlor maid
Anna Hauptmann, wife of Bruno Hauptmann
Other Key Figures
Ransom Notes
(Available as of this writing)
Authorization from Charles and Anne Lindbergh
for Dr. John Condon to act as intermediary
Other Evidence
![A meeting between "Jafsie" (John Condon) and a representative of the group that claimed to be the kidnappers was eventually scheduled for late one evening on March 12, 1932, at Woodlawn Cemetery. When Condon expressed doubt that "John" actually had the baby, "John" promised some proof: the kidnapper would soon return the baby's sleeping suit. The stranger asked Condon, "... would I burn [be executed], if the package [baby] were dead?" When questioned further, he assured Condon that the baby was alive.<BR><BR>On March 16, 1932, John Condon received a package by mail that contained a toddler's sleeping suit, which was sent as proof of their claim, and a seventh ransom note. Condon showed the sleeping suit to Lindbergh, who identified it as belonging to his son.](../images/1932-03-16_sleepingsuit_thumb.jpg)
The Trial and Execution of Bruno Hauptmann
News Accounts and FBI Wanted Poster
Documents
Transcripts of Ransom Notes and Additional Documents
Charles Augustus Lindbergh, Jr.,
Charles Lindbergh and Anne Morrow Lindbergh
ca. July, 1930: Anne Morrow Lindbergh holds her son, Charles Lindbergh, Jr., born on June 22, 1930
ca. July, 1930: Anne Morrow Lindbergh holds her son, Charles Lindbergh, Jr., born on June 22, 1930
Scottish nursemaid Bessie Mowat Goway, most commonly known as Betty Gow, pushes baby Charles in his carriage.
ca. June, 1931: Charles Lindbergh, Jr. at age one
Charles Lindbergh, Jr.
Charles Lindbergh, Jr.
Charles Lindbergh
Charles Lindbergh
Charles Lindbergh and his wife, Anne Morrow Lindbergh
Anne Morrow Lindbergh in 1918, at age 12
Anne Morrow Lindbergh
Charles Lindbergh and his wife, Anne Morrow Lindbergh
Charles Lindbergh and his wife, Anne Morrow Lindbergh
The Lindbergh estate at Hopewell, New Jersey
Bruno Richard Hauptmann
Bruno Hauptmann after his arrest. The police photo taken of him after arrest shows a date of September 21, 1934. Other accounts say he was arrested September 15 or September 19.
Bruno Hauptmann after his arrest. The police photo taken of him after arrest shows a date of September 21, 1934. Other accounts say he was arrested September 15 or September 19.
Bruno Hauptmann
Bruno Hauptmann
Bruno Hauptmann
Bruno Hauptmann
Bruno Hauptmann
Bruno Hauptmann after his arrest. The police photo taken of him after arrest shows a date of September 21, 1934. Other accounts say he was arrested September 15 or September 19.
Bruno Hauptmann after his arrest. The police photo taken of him after arrest shows a date of September 21, 1934. Other accounts say he was arrested September 15 or September 19.
Bruno Hauptmann after his arrest. A police photo taken of him after arrest shows a date of September 21, 1934. Other accounts say he was arrested September 15 or September 19.
Other Key Figures
John F. Condon, intermediary
On March 8, 1932, Dr. John Condon published an open letter to the kidnappers in the Bronx Home News. The next evening, he received a letter from the kidnappers, authenticated by the same pattern of interlocking circles found on the ransom note.
The Lindberghs subsequently authorized Dr. Condon to act as an intermediary. When doing so, Concon used the name "Jafsie" (a pseudonym based on a phonetic pronunciation of Condon's initials, "J.F.C.").
The Lindberghs subsequently authorized Dr. Condon to act as an intermediary. When doing so, Concon used the name "Jafsie" (a pseudonym based on a phonetic pronunciation of Condon's initials, "J.F.C.").
On March 8, 1932, Dr. John Condon published an open letter to the kidnappers in the Bronx Home News. The next evening, he received a letter from the kidnappers, authenticated by the same pattern of interlocking circles found on the ransom note.
The Lindberghs subsequently authorized Dr. Condon to act as an intermediary. When doing so, Concon used the name "Jafsie" (a pseudonym based on a phonetic pronunciation of Condon's initials, "J.F.C.").
The Lindberghs subsequently authorized Dr. Condon to act as an intermediary. When doing so, Concon used the name "Jafsie" (a pseudonym based on a phonetic pronunciation of Condon's initials, "J.F.C.").
On March 8, 1932, Dr. John Condon published an open letter to the kidnappers in the Bronx Home News. The next evening, he received a letter from the kidnappers, authenticated by the same pattern of interlocking circles found on the ransom note.
The Lindberghs subsequently authorized Dr. Condon to act as an intermediary. When doing so, Concon used the name "Jafsie" (a pseudonym based on a phonetic pronunciation of Condon's initials, "J.F.C.").
The Lindberghs subsequently authorized Dr. Condon to act as an intermediary. When doing so, Concon used the name "Jafsie" (a pseudonym based on a phonetic pronunciation of Condon's initials, "J.F.C.").
Betty Gow, nursemaid
Scottish nursemaid Bessie Mowat Goway, most commonly known as Betty Gow, was hired by the Lindberghs to care for their first-born son, Charles Lindbergh, Jr.
On March 1, 1932, the night he was abducted, she hastily sewed a warm undershirt for him to wear under his sleeping suit. He was wearing the shirt when he was abducted from his crib, and it was later found on the remains when the body was discovered.
Gow denied any involvement in the crime, but some thought that she knew more than she was telling.
On March 1, 1932, the night he was abducted, she hastily sewed a warm undershirt for him to wear under his sleeping suit. He was wearing the shirt when he was abducted from his crib, and it was later found on the remains when the body was discovered.
Gow denied any involvement in the crime, but some thought that she knew more than she was telling.
Scottish nursemaid Bessie Mowat Goway, most commonly known as Betty Gow, was hired by the Lindberghs to care for their first-born son, Charles Lindbergh, Jr.
On March 1, 1932, the night he was abducted, she hastily sewed a warm undershirt for him to wear under his sleeping suit. He was wearing the shirt when he was abducted from his crib, and it was later found on the remains when the body was discovered.
Gow denied any involvement in the crime, but some thought that she knew more than she was telling.
On March 1, 1932, the night he was abducted, she hastily sewed a warm undershirt for him to wear under his sleeping suit. He was wearing the shirt when he was abducted from his crib, and it was later found on the remains when the body was discovered.
Gow denied any involvement in the crime, but some thought that she knew more than she was telling.
Scottish nursemaid Bessie Mowat Goway, most commonly known as Betty Gow, was hired by the Lindberghs to care for their first-born son, Charles Lindbergh, Jr.
On March 1, 1932, the night he was abducted, she hastily sewed a warm undershirt for him to wear under his sleeping suit. He was wearing the shirt when he was abducted from his crib, and it was later found on the remains when the body was discovered.
Gow denied any involvement in the crime, but some thought that she knew more than she was telling.
On March 1, 1932, the night he was abducted, she hastily sewed a warm undershirt for him to wear under his sleeping suit. He was wearing the shirt when he was abducted from his crib, and it was later found on the remains when the body was discovered.
Gow denied any involvement in the crime, but some thought that she knew more than she was telling.
Scottish nursemaid Bessie Mowat Goway, most commonly known as Betty Gow, was hired by the Lindberghs to care for their first-born son, Charles Lindbergh, Jr.
On March 1, 1932, the night he was abducted, she hastily sewed a warm undershirt for him to wear under his sleeping suit. He was wearing the shirt when he was abducted from his crib, and it was later found on the remains when the body was discovered.
Gow denied any involvement in the crime, but some thought that she knew more than she was telling.
On March 1, 1932, the night he was abducted, she hastily sewed a warm undershirt for him to wear under his sleeping suit. He was wearing the shirt when he was abducted from his crib, and it was later found on the remains when the body was discovered.
Gow denied any involvement in the crime, but some thought that she knew more than she was telling.
Scottish nursemaid Bessie Mowat Goway, most commonly known as Betty Gow, was hired by the Lindberghs to care for their first-born son, Charles Lindbergh, Jr. Here, she is shown with Oliver "Olly" Whateley, who also served in the Lindbergh household along with his wife Elsie.
Scottish nursemaid Bessie Mowat Goway, most commonly known as Betty Gow, was hired by the Lindberghs to care for their first-born son, Charles Lindbergh, Jr. Here, she is shown (on right) with Elsie Whateley, who also served in the Lindbergh household along with Elsie's husband Oliver "Olly" Whateley.
Violet Sharp, parlor maid
April 14, 1930 Dept. of Labor Immigrant ID card for Violet Sharp, the "Suicidal Maid," who was the Lindberghs' parolor maid.
On June 10, 1932, she took her own life by swallowing poison, which led some to speculate that she had been involved in the kidnapping and/or murder of Charles Lindbergh, Jr.
On June 10, 1932, she took her own life by swallowing poison, which led some to speculate that she had been involved in the kidnapping and/or murder of Charles Lindbergh, Jr.
Violet Sharp, the "Suicidal Maid," was the Lindberghs' parolor maid.
On June 10, 1932, she took her own life by swallowing poison, which led some to speculate that she had been involved in the kidnapping and/or murder of Charles Lindbergh, Jr.
On June 10, 1932, she took her own life by swallowing poison, which led some to speculate that she had been involved in the kidnapping and/or murder of Charles Lindbergh, Jr.
Violet Sharp, the "Suicidal Maid," was the Lindberghs' parolor maid.
On June 10, 1932, she took her own life by swallowing poison, which led some to speculate that she had been involved in the kidnapping and/or murder of Charles Lindbergh, Jr.
On June 10, 1932, she took her own life by swallowing poison, which led some to speculate that she had been involved in the kidnapping and/or murder of Charles Lindbergh, Jr.
Violet Sharp, the "Suicidal Maid," was the Lindberghs' parolor maid.
On June 10, 1932, she took her own life by swallowing poison, which led some to speculate that she had been involved in the kidnapping and/or murder of Charles Lindbergh, Jr.
On June 10, 1932, she took her own life by swallowing poison, which led some to speculate that she had been involved in the kidnapping and/or murder of Charles Lindbergh, Jr.
Anna Hauptmann, wife of Bruno Hauptmann
Bruno Hauptmann's wife, Anna Hauptmann, during the 1935 trial.
At trial, Anna tried to corroborate her husband's story that a friend, Isidor Fisch had left money -- later found to match the ransom money -- in a shoe box at the Hauptmann house. But upon cross-examination, she admitted that she could not remember seeing any shoe box there.
At trial, Anna tried to corroborate her husband's story that a friend, Isidor Fisch had left money -- later found to match the ransom money -- in a shoe box at the Hauptmann house. But upon cross-examination, she admitted that she could not remember seeing any shoe box there.
Bruno Hauptmann's wife, Anna Hauptmann, during the 1935 trial.
At trial, Anna tried to corroborate her husband's story that a friend, Isidor Fisch had left money -- later found to match the ransom money -- in a shoe box at the Hauptmann house. But upon cross-examination, she admitted that she could not remember seeing any shoe box there.
At trial, Anna tried to corroborate her husband's story that a friend, Isidor Fisch had left money -- later found to match the ransom money -- in a shoe box at the Hauptmann house. But upon cross-examination, she admitted that she could not remember seeing any shoe box there.
Anna Hauptmann would never waiver in her belief that her husband was innocent. She would continue fighting for him until her death on October 10, 1994.
Other Key Figures
Norman Schwarzkopf (FBI) on left, with Charles Lindbergh.
Governor Hoffman directed Col. Schwarzkopf to continue a thorough and impartial investigation into the kidnapping in an effort to bring all parties involved to justice.
Governor Hoffman directed Col. Schwarzkopf to continue a thorough and impartial investigation into the kidnapping in an effort to bring all parties involved to justice.
Hauptmann denied being guilty, insisting that a tin can found to contain gold certificates was left in his garage by a friend named Isidor Fisch, who had returned to Germany in December 1933 and died there in March 1934.
At trial, Hauptmann claimed that he had found a shoe box left behind by Fisch, which Hauptmann had stored on the top shelf of a kitchen broom closet, later discovering the money which, upon counting, added up to $15,000.
At trial, Hauptmann claimed that he had found a shoe box left behind by Fisch, which Hauptmann had stored on the top shelf of a kitchen broom closet, later discovering the money which, upon counting, added up to $15,000.
Amandus Hochmuth, 84 at the time of the kidnapping, lived near the Lindbergh estate. He had a bad memory, poor eyesight, and was once in an asylum. but on January 8, 1935, he testified for the prosecution, claiming that on March 1, 1932, before noon, he saw a dirty green sedan driving from Hopewell at a fast speed. The car nearly went into a ditch before stalling. When the driver got out of the car, Hochmuth claimed he saw a ladder in the car. When asked to describe the man he saw, Hochmuth said he had a red face. Hauptmann had a pale complexion.
Prosecutor David Wilentz, who secured a conviction and sentence of death for Bruno Hauptmann on February 14, 1935
Judge Trenchard presieded at the trial of Bruno Hauptmann
Ransom Notes
(Available as of this writing)
The kidnapper's "signature, " consisting of a red dot and three holes
March 1, 1932: Ransom note #1, left on nursery windowsill.
The note read: "Dear Sir! Have 50,000$ redy 2500$ in 20$ bills 15000$ in 10$ bills and 10000$ in 5$ bills. After 2-4 days we will inform you were to deliver the Mony. We warn you for making anyding public or for the polise the child is in gut care. Indication for all letters are signature and 3 holes."
The note read: "Dear Sir! Have 50,000$ redy 2500$ in 20$ bills 15000$ in 10$ bills and 10000$ in 5$ bills. After 2-4 days we will inform you were to deliver the Mony. We warn you for making anyding public or for the polise the child is in gut care. Indication for all letters are signature and 3 holes."
March 4, 1932: Ransom note #2 (front): "We have warned you note to make anyding public..."
(Image showing remainder of note currently unavailable)
(Image showing remainder of note currently unavailable)
Ransom note #3, received by Dr. John Condon circa March 7, 1932: "Did you receive ouer letter from March 4..."
March 9, 1932: Envelope addressed to Dr. John Condon, containing ransom note #4 ("If you are willing to act as go-between...")
Another envelope was enclosed, with a letter to be given to Col. Lindbergh, reading: "Mr. Condon may act as go-between. You may may give him the 70000$..."
Another envelope was enclosed, with a letter to be given to Col. Lindbergh, reading: "Mr. Condon may act as go-between. You may may give him the 70000$..."
Ransom note #4: "If you are willing..." inside envelope, with another note as an enclosure.
Ransom note #5, enclosed with another note, with directions to give this note to Col. Lindbergh: "Mr. Condon may act as go-between..."
March 12, 1932: Ransom note #6: "We trust you, but..."
March 12, 1932: Note left under stone near frankfurter stand after delivery of ransom note #6: "Cross the street and follow the fence from the cemetery direction to 233rd street. I will meet you."
March 19, 1932: Reverse side of ransom note #8 received by Dr. John Condon.
(Image of front, reading "Dear Sir: You and Mr. Lindbergh know ouer program...," currently unavailable)
(Image of front, reading "Dear Sir: You and Mr. Lindbergh know ouer program...," currently unavailable)
Ransom note #9, received by Dr. John Condon, circa March 23, 1932, reading: "dear Sir, It is note necessary to furnish any code..."
Ransom note #10, received by Dr. John Condon on April 1, 1932, reading: "Dear Sir: have the money ready by Saturday evening..."
April 2, 1932: Reverse side of last ransom note delivered to home of Dr. John Condon.
(Image of front, reading "Dear Sir: take a car and follow tremont Ave ...," currently unavailable)
(Image of front, reading "Dear Sir: take a car and follow tremont Ave ...," currently unavailable)
April 2, 1932: Note left under a stone on a table in front of Bergen's Flower Store
April 2, 1932: Note handed to Dr. John Condon by "John" at St. Raymond's Cemetery at the end of their last meeting, reading "The boy is on the Boad Nelly..."
At trial on January 9, 1935, Condon would testify that "John," to whom Condon had given the ransom money just prior to being handed this note, was Bruno Richard Hauptmann.
At trial on January 9, 1935, Condon would testify that "John," to whom Condon had given the ransom money just prior to being handed this note, was Bruno Richard Hauptmann.
Woodlawn Cemetery, where Dr. John Condon met "John" and gave him the ransom money
Composite drawing of suspect "John,"
On the evening of April 2, 1932, Lindbergh and Condon drove to a cemetery to meet "John," who claimed to be one of a gang of kidnappers, in order to talk with him and deliver the ransom money.
At trial, Condon was asked:
Q. And who did you give that money to?
A. John.
Q. Who is John?
A. John is Bruno Richard Hauptmann.
On the evening of April 2, 1932, Lindbergh and Condon drove to a cemetery to meet "John," who claimed to be one of a gang of kidnappers, in order to talk with him and deliver the ransom money.
At trial, Condon was asked:
Q. And who did you give that money to?
A. John.
Q. Who is John?
A. John is Bruno Richard Hauptmann.
Composite drawing of suspect "John,"
On the evening of April 2, 1932, Lindbergh and Condon drove to a cemetery to meet "John," who claimed to be one of a gang of kidnappers, in order to talk with him and deliver the ransom money.
At trial, Condon was asked:
Q. And who did you give that money to?
A. John.
Q. Who is John?
A. John is Bruno Richard Hauptmann.
On the evening of April 2, 1932, Lindbergh and Condon drove to a cemetery to meet "John," who claimed to be one of a gang of kidnappers, in order to talk with him and deliver the ransom money.
At trial, Condon was asked:
Q. And who did you give that money to?
A. John.
Q. Who is John?
A. John is Bruno Richard Hauptmann.
Authorization from Charles and Anne Lindbergh
for Dr. John Condon to act as intermediary
Authorization from Charles and Anne Lindbergh for Dr. John Condon to act as intermediary
Other Evidence
The handmade ladder used in the kidnapping and left at the crime scene consisted of three sections. Bruno Hauptman would scoff at its construction, claiming that as a carpenter himself, he would not have built such a curdely-made ladder.
The kidpanner's ladder and dowel. The ladder was left at the crime scene after the abduction.
At trial, wood expert Arthur Koehler brought out evidence which helped to indict Hauptmann of the kidnapping.
After it was discovered that a plank had disappeared from Hauptmann's attic, Koehler brought out his evidence: the wood he traced to Hauptmann. He proved, by fitting the two pieces together, that the attic board matched "Rail 16" of the ladder used by the kidnapper, giving evidence that Hauptmann built the ladder.
After it was discovered that a plank had disappeared from Hauptmann's attic, Koehler brought out his evidence: the wood he traced to Hauptmann. He proved, by fitting the two pieces together, that the attic board matched "Rail 16" of the ladder used by the kidnapper, giving evidence that Hauptmann built the ladder.
At trial, wood expert Arthur Koehler brought out evidence which helped to indict Hauptmann of the kidnapping.
After it was discovered that a plank had disappeared from Hauptmann's attic, Koehler brought out his evidence: the wood he traced to Hauptmann. He proved, by fitting the two pieces together, that the attic board matched "Rail 16" of the ladder used by the kidnapper, giving evidence that Hauptmann built the ladder.
After it was discovered that a plank had disappeared from Hauptmann's attic, Koehler brought out his evidence: the wood he traced to Hauptmann. He proved, by fitting the two pieces together, that the attic board matched "Rail 16" of the ladder used by the kidnapper, giving evidence that Hauptmann built the ladder.
A floorboard from the attic of Bruno Hauptmann's house was found to match the wood of "Rail 16" of the ladder used in the kidnapping
A floorboard from the attic of Bruno Hauptmann's house was found to match the wood of "Rail 16" of the ladder used in the kidnapping
A floorboard from the attic of Bruno Hauptmann's house was found to match the wood of "Rail 16" of the ladder used in the kidnapping
A floorboard from the attic of Bruno Hauptmann's house was found to match the wood of "Rail 16" of the ladder used in the kidnapping
The crib from which Charles Lindbergh, Jr. was taken.
After tucking him in, nurse Betty Gow pinned the baby's blanket to the bedding around him. When it was discovered he was missing, the pins had not been disturbed.
After tucking him in, nurse Betty Gow pinned the baby's blanket to the bedding around him. When it was discovered he was missing, the pins had not been disturbed.
A ransom note was left on a radiator which served as a windowsill in the nursery
Investigators attempt to recreate the abduction at the Lindbergh estate in Hopewell, New Jersey
Investigators attempt to recreate the abduction at the Lindbergh estate in Hopewell, New Jersey
![A meeting between "Jafsie" (John Condon) and a representative of the group that claimed to be the kidnappers was eventually scheduled for late one evening on March 12, 1932, at Woodlawn Cemetery. When Condon expressed doubt that "John" actually had the baby, "John" promised some proof: the kidnapper would soon return the baby's sleeping suit. The stranger asked Condon, "... would I burn [be executed], if the package [baby] were dead?" When questioned further, he assured Condon that the baby was alive.<BR><BR>On March 16, 1932, John Condon received a package by mail that contained a toddler's sleeping suit, which was sent as proof of their claim, and a seventh ransom note. Condon showed the sleeping suit to Lindbergh, who identified it as belonging to his son.](../images/1932-03-16_sleepingsuit.jpg)
A meeting between "Jafsie" (John Condon) and a representative of the group that claimed to be the kidnappers was eventually scheduled for late one evening on March 12, 1932, at Woodlawn Cemetery. When Condon expressed doubt that "John" actually had the baby, "John" promised some proof: the kidnapper would soon return the baby's sleeping suit. The stranger asked Condon, "... would I burn [be executed], if the package [baby] were dead?" When questioned further, he assured Condon that the baby was alive.
On March 16, 1932, John Condon received a package by mail that contained a toddler's sleeping suit, which was sent as proof of their claim, and a seventh ransom note. Condon showed the sleeping suit to Lindbergh, who identified it as belonging to his son.
On March 16, 1932, John Condon received a package by mail that contained a toddler's sleeping suit, which was sent as proof of their claim, and a seventh ransom note. Condon showed the sleeping suit to Lindbergh, who identified it as belonging to his son.
The remains of Charles Lindbergh, Jr., then almost two years old, were found in the woods near the Lindbergh home on May 12, 1932.
On March 1, 1932, the night he was abducted, his nurse thought he might be coming down with a cold, and she hastily sewed a warm undershirt for him to wear under his sleeping suit. He was wearing the shirt when he was abducted from his crib, and it was later found on the remains when the body was discovered.
On March 1, 1932, the night he was abducted, his nurse thought he might be coming down with a cold, and she hastily sewed a warm undershirt for him to wear under his sleeping suit. He was wearing the shirt when he was abducted from his crib, and it was later found on the remains when the body was discovered.
Scottish nursemaid Bessie Mowat Goway, most commonly known as Betty Gow, was hired by the Lindberghs to care for their first-born son, Charles Lindbergh, Jr.
On March 1, 1932, the night he was abducted, she hastily sewed a warm undershirt for him to wear under his sleeping suit. He was wearing the shirt when he was abducted from his crib, and it was later found on the remains when the body was discovered.
On March 1, 1932, the night he was abducted, she hastily sewed a warm undershirt for him to wear under his sleeping suit. He was wearing the shirt when he was abducted from his crib, and it was later found on the remains when the body was discovered.
On September 17, 1934, a $10 gold certificate that was part of the ransom was given to a gas station attendant as payment. Gold certificates were rapidly being withdrawn from circulation; to see one was unusual and attracted attention. On the end of the certificate, the attendant wrote down the license plate number of the car and gave it to the police. The New York license plate belonged to a dark blue Dodge sedan owned by Hauptmann.
On September 17, 1934, a $10 gold certificate that was part of the ransom was given to a gas station attendant as payment. Gold certificates were rapidly being withdrawn from circulation; to see one was unusual and attracted attention. On the end of the certificate, the attendant wrote down the license plate number of the car and gave it to the police. The New York license plate belonged to a dark blue Dodge sedan owned by Hauptmann.
Hauptmann denied being guilty, insisting that a tin can found to contain gold certificates was left in his garage by a friend named Isidor Fisch, who had returned to Germany in December 1933 and died there in March 1934.
At trial, Hauptmann claimed that he had found a shoe box left behind by Fisch, which Hauptmann had stored on the top shelf of a kitchen broom closet, later discovering the money which, upon counting, added up to $15,000.
At trial, Hauptmann claimed that he had found a shoe box left behind by Fisch, which Hauptmann had stored on the top shelf of a kitchen broom closet, later discovering the money which, upon counting, added up to $15,000.
Evidence produced against Hauptmann included $14,590 of the ransom money that was found in a tin can in his garage
Evidence produced against Hauptmann included $14,590 of the ransom money that was found in a tin can in his garage
At trial, experts would testify that Hauptmann's handwriting and spelling were similar to that found on the ransom notes. Eight were called by the prosecution. One was called by the defense to rebut this evidence, while two others demanded $500 for their services before even looking at the notes and were promptly dismissed when defense lawyer Fisher declined. Others who claimed expertise were also retained by the defense. They were told they would testify but, much to their dismay, were never called to the stand by lead attorney Reilly.
At trial, experts would testify that Hauptmann's handwriting and spelling were similar to that found on the ransom notes. Eight were called by the prosecution. One was called by the defense to rebut this evidence, while two others demanded $500 for their services before even looking at the notes and were promptly dismissed when defense lawyer Fisher declined. Others who claimed expertise were also retained by the defense. They were told they would testify but, much to their dismay, were never called to the stand by lead attorney Reilly.
The Trial and Execution of Bruno Hauptmann
Charles Lindbergh on his way to the courtroom, where he would testify on January 3 and 4, 1935
Charles Lindbergh testified at trial on January 3 and 4, 1935
Press room during the trial.
The trial attracted widespread media attention and was dubbed the "Trial of the Century." Hauptmann was also named "The Most Hated Man in the World." The trial was held in Flemington, New Jersey, and ran from January 2 to February 13, 1935.
The trial attracted widespread media attention and was dubbed the "Trial of the Century." Hauptmann was also named "The Most Hated Man in the World." The trial was held in Flemington, New Jersey, and ran from January 2 to February 13, 1935.
Courtroom during the trial.
The trial attracted widespread media attention and was dubbed the "Trial of the Century." Hauptmann was also named "The Most Hated Man in the World." The trial was held in Flemington, New Jersey, and ran from January 2 to February 13, 1935.
The trial attracted widespread media attention and was dubbed the "Trial of the Century." Hauptmann was also named "The Most Hated Man in the World." The trial was held in Flemington, New Jersey, and ran from January 2 to February 13, 1935.
Crowd outside the courtroom during the trial.
The trial attracted widespread media attention and was dubbed the "Trial of the Century." Hauptmann was also named "The Most Hated Man in the World." The trial was held in Flemington, New Jersey, and ran from January 2 to February 13, 1935.
The trial attracted widespread media attention and was dubbed the "Trial of the Century." Hauptmann was also named "The Most Hated Man in the World." The trial was held in Flemington, New Jersey, and ran from January 2 to February 13, 1935.
Bruno Hauptmann in the courtroom. He testified in his own defense on January 30, 1935.
Bruno Hauptmann with his attorney, Edward Reilly (left). Hauptmann testified on January 30, 1935.
On March 8, 1932, Dr. John Condon (right) published an open letter to the kidnappers in the Bronx Home News. The next evening, he received a letter from the kidnappers, authenticated by the same pattern of interlocking circles found on the ransom note.
The Lindberghs subsequently authorized Dr. Condon to act as an intermediary. When doing so, Concon used the name "Jafsie" (a pseudonym based on a phonetic pronunciation of Condon's initials, "J.F.C.").
The Lindberghs subsequently authorized Dr. Condon to act as an intermediary. When doing so, Concon used the name "Jafsie" (a pseudonym based on a phonetic pronunciation of Condon's initials, "J.F.C.").
Scottish nursemaid Bessie Mowat Goway, most commonly known as Betty Gow, during the trial. She was hired by the Lindberghs to care for their first-born son, Charles Lindbergh, Jr.
On March 1, 1932, the night he was abducted, she hastily sewed a warm undershirt for him to wear under his sleeping suit. He was wearing the shirt when he was abducted from his crib, and it was later found on the remains when the body was discovered.
Gow denied any involvement in the crime, but some thought that she knew more than she was telling.
On March 1, 1932, the night he was abducted, she hastily sewed a warm undershirt for him to wear under his sleeping suit. He was wearing the shirt when he was abducted from his crib, and it was later found on the remains when the body was discovered.
Gow denied any involvement in the crime, but some thought that she knew more than she was telling.
Amandus Hochmuth identifies Hauptmann.
Hochmuth, 84 at the time of the kidnapping, lived near the Lindbergh estate. He had a bad memory, poor eyesight, and was once in an asylum. but on January 8, 1935, he testified for the prosecution, claiming that on March 1, 1932, before noon, he saw a dirty green sedan driving from Hopewell at a fast speed. The car nearly went into a ditch before stalling. When the driver got out of the car, Hochmuth claimed he saw a ladder in the car. When asked to describe the man he saw, Hochmuth said he had a red face. Hauptmann had a pale complexion.
Hochmuth, 84 at the time of the kidnapping, lived near the Lindbergh estate. He had a bad memory, poor eyesight, and was once in an asylum. but on January 8, 1935, he testified for the prosecution, claiming that on March 1, 1932, before noon, he saw a dirty green sedan driving from Hopewell at a fast speed. The car nearly went into a ditch before stalling. When the driver got out of the car, Hochmuth claimed he saw a ladder in the car. When asked to describe the man he saw, Hochmuth said he had a red face. Hauptmann had a pale complexion.
Bruno Hauptmann was executed on April 3, 1936. One news headline read, "Bruno Dies - Fails to Talk."
News Accounts and FBI Wanted Poster
March 1, 1932: The New York Times reports the kidnapping of Charles Lindbergh, Jr.
FBI "Wanted" poster dated March 11, 1932
May 13, 1932: The Muscatine Journal reports "Baby's Slayers Hunted"
Violet Sharp, the "Suicidal Maid," was the Lindberghs' parolor maid.
On June 10, 1932, she took her own life by swallowing poison, which led some to speculate that she had been involved in the kidnapping and/or murder of Charles Lindbergh, Jr.
On June 10, 1932, she took her own life by swallowing poison, which led some to speculate that she had been involved in the kidnapping and/or murder of Charles Lindbergh, Jr.
Violet Sharp, the "Suicidal Maid," was the Lindberghs' parolor maid. On June 10, 1932, she took her own life by swallowing poison, which led some to speculate that she had been involved in the kidnapping and/or murder of Charles Lindbergh, Jr.
Here, the Daily News reports on Sharp's "Mystery Tryst."
Here, the Daily News reports on Sharp's "Mystery Tryst."
February 14, 1935: The New York Times reports the verdict
June 22, 2003: New York Times article: "This Case Never Closes: Crime Buffs Abuzz as Key Piece of Evidence Resurfaces in Kidnapping of Lindbergh Baby"
Documents
Transcripts of Ransom Notes and Additional Documents
March 11, 1932: Statement of Charles Lindbergh re: nursemaid Betty Gow
Pediatrician Philip Van Ingen re: the finding of the body.
The identification of the tiny body remains a point of contention on the case. In fact, Dr. Philip Van Ingen, Charles Lindbergh, Jr.'s pediatrician, had seen the baby only a few weeks before the kidnapping, and after his examination of the remains, refused to identify the corpse as the Lindbergh baby's, stating, "If someone were to come in here and offer me ten million dollars ... I simply wouldn't be able to identify those remains."
The identification of the tiny body remains a point of contention on the case. In fact, Dr. Philip Van Ingen, Charles Lindbergh, Jr.'s pediatrician, had seen the baby only a few weeks before the kidnapping, and after his examination of the remains, refused to identify the corpse as the Lindbergh baby's, stating, "If someone were to come in here and offer me ten million dollars ... I simply wouldn't be able to identify those remains."
Sept. 25, 1934: New York Police Dept. memo re: Statements of Isidor Fisch's doctor
Sept. 1934: New York Police Dept. memo re: Statements of Bruno Hauptmann's doctor
Sept. 30, 1936: Letter from Dr. John Condon to Harold Hoffman, congratulating Hoffman on his nomination for Governor