Nathan Leopold (1904–1971) made up one half of the notorious gay Jewish “thrill killing” couple whose trial for the kidnapping and murder of Chicago fourteen-year-old Bobby Franks was one of the most sensational news events of the 1920s. Despite an impassioned defense by the eminent Clarence Darrow, Leopold and his associate, Richard Loeb, were convicted, but, on the strength of Darrow’s argument, spared the electric chair. The duo earned everlasting infamy in the annals of American crime, and the case inspired at least three films, including Hitchcock’s Rope (1948) and the classic Orson Welles starrer Compulsion (1959). Leopold, sentenced to ninety-nine years, was paroled in the 1958. TLS, one page, 6.5 x 10.25, personal letterhead, October 3, 1969. Letter to a supporter. In part, “Your letter…reached me only today. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate your writing it…Yes, twelve years is a long time, but you would be surprised how many letters I still get from people who have just read Life Plus 99 years…Like you, I feel that imprisonment is not the answer to crime, since demonstrably it doesn’t work.” In fine condition. R&R COA.
