The Telegraph-courier. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1888-1946, 1924-07-24
+, Bv EDWARD C. DERR.


BY EDWARD C. DERR.
Criminal Court Room, Chicago
Pale and haggard, Nathan Leopold, Jr.,
and Richard A. Loeb, superintellectuals
and sons of millionaires, shuffled their
feet before Chief Justice John R..
Caverly in criminal court today and
pleaded guilty to kidnapping and muir
dering 14-year-old Robert Franks.
Their action came like thunder to
the crowded court room, filled to over
flowing by huge staff of attorneys
for both state and defense, members
of the Leopold and Loeb families and
hundreds of morbidly curious specta-
tors who gained admission despite the
efforts of a corps of % uniformed
policemen and sheriff's deputies.
Clarence barrow, sphinx-like, dean
of criminal attorneys, who is 81 years
old and has been practicing law for
81 years in Chicago, entered the first
plea for the boys. He stood erect,
throwing his shoulders back, his voice
increasing in volume as he spoke,
until he fairly shouted that the de-
PENDANTS pleaded guilty.
States Attorney Robert E. Grove and
barrow, announced that hearing OF
evidence in the case would begin on
Wednesday morning, July 20. The
hearing will be held by Judge Caverly
and without jury.
May Get Death Sentence.
The court, under the law of Illinois,
10 n
yates to death. Other sentences which
he may pass are life Imprisonment or
impris onment for any number of years
over fourteen. Caverly cannot, ac-
cording to Grove, free the defendants
after they have pleaded guilty.
Grove, dumbfounded and taken en-
tirely by surprise when the boys plead
ed guilty, made no attempt to contest
the action, but announced that he
would call every states witness to the
stand $50 that the court may hear all
the evidence in this case"
1--WE will not allow the defense to
shut out any evidence by pleading
guilty. Grove said. These boys, both
of them sane, and entirely responsible,
have committed the direst murder in
the history of Chicago. They have
come into open court and publicly en-
tered the plea, confessing that they
kidnapped and murdered an innocent
child.
Judge Caverly called the court to
order promptly at 10000 a. m. All
seats were not occupied, the crowd be-
ing held outside. Caverly announced
that spectators would be admitted
until all seats were taken and
kno others would be allowed. No
fashlight pictures can be taken, he
announced, but newspaper photograph
ers may take pictures by time exposure.
States Attorney Robert 81 Grove,
entered court just ahead of Judge
Caverly, shook hands with barrow and
the master legal minds of the state
and defense were caught by battery
of newspaper cameras.
ttThis is a courtroom-not a side
show" Caverly said.
Y After explaining rules Of the court,
the case of Leopold and Loeb was
called and attorneys for the state and
defense stepped before the bench.
Defendants Still Smile.
Babe Leopold and Dickie Loeb, the
were led into the courtroom and took
seats with their attorneys. Both
smiled pleasantly and showed no signs
of nervousness.
Judge Caverly called upon barrow
to present any motions in behalf OF
the defense,
Darrow's 6rst motion was to quash
the kidnapping and murder indictments
against the defendants-a mere form
atty for sake of the court record.
barrow told the court the defense
would make no effort to free Leopold
and Loeb.
"No one believes-not even the par
ents of these boys-that they should
be given their freedom. But it is our
purpose to have them permanently
isolated from society"
Young Leopold was called to the
bench and himself pleaded guilty. Loeb
followed him and did likewise.
SIS it your understanding that if
you plead guilty to murder in this
court, the court may sentence you TO
death or to the penitentiary for the
period of your natural life or for a
period of not less than IA years 7"
Judge Caverly asked.
II understand" Leopold answered,
his lips qaivering, his eyes dropping
to the floor.
eyes, / understand" Loeb answered,
looking directly at the judge.
with this understanding do you still
wish to plead guilty?'' the judge
| asked.
81 do" Leopold answered.
81 do" Loeb echoed.
To Present Evidence of Sanity.
barrow advised the court that be-
| fore the boys are sentenced he wishes
| to present evidence to the court and
the sentencing Of the young college
graduates probably will be delayed for
several days.
States Attorney Robert E. Grove,
who was in court in person with a
large staff of assistants was taken
completely by surprise but did not
contest the action.
Both sides announced they would be