Charles Augustus Lindbergh Jr., the infant son of celebrated aviator Charles Lindbergh and Anne Morrow Lindbergh, was tragically kidnapped from his nursery and later found deceased. This became one of the most infamous crimes of the 20th century, widely known as the "Crime of the Century."
The Abduction
The abduction occurred on the evening of March 1, 1932, from the Lindbergh family home in Hopewell, New Jersey. A ransom note was discovered, demanding $50,000 for the child's return. The immediate aftermath saw an extensive and highly publicized search, involving law enforcement and various private individuals, as the nation anxiously followed the unfolding events.
The Tragic Discovery
The hopes for the child's safe return were shattered over two months after his disappearance. On May 12, 1932, the body of the kidnapped baby was accidentally discovered.
Here are the key details surrounding the discovery:
- Date: May 12, 1932
- Location: The body was found about four and a half miles southeast of the Lindbergh home, near Mount Rose, New Jersey, in Mercer County. It was located approximately 45 feet from the highway.
- Condition: The remains were partly buried and badly decomposed, indicating the child had been deceased for some time.
This somber discovery initiated a profound shift in the investigation, moving from a missing person's case to a murder inquiry.
Investigation and Aftermath
The discovery of Charles Lindbergh Jr.'s body led to one of the most exhaustive criminal investigations in history. After an extensive two-year investigation, Bruno Richard Hauptmann, a German immigrant carpenter, was arrested and ultimately convicted of the kidnapping and murder. His trial garnered massive media attention, concluding with his execution in 1936. The case left an indelible mark on American legal history and led to the passage of the "Federal Kidnapping Act" (also known as the Lindbergh Law) making kidnapping across state lines a federal crime.
