The Investigation
The ransom note found on the window sill was opened by the police. It was a brief, handwritten letter with many spelling mistakes that are shown to the right. It reads:
Have 50.000$ redy 25.000$ in
20$ bills 15.000$ in 10$ bills and
10.000$ 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 notify the Police
The child is in gut care.
Indication for all letters are
Singnature
and three hohls.
The word of the kidnapping spread rapidly throughout the city, and many people arrived at the Lindbergh's home for more information. Organized crime figures such as Al Capone spoke from prison and even offered to help with the investigation in exchange for money. This was obviously turned down by officials.
There was a total reward for the case of $75,000, which was very
significant because the offer was made at the beginning of the Great Depression.
A little while afterwards, a second ransom note arrived by mail. Ed Mulrooney,
the commissioner of the New York City police department, informed Lindbergh that
he could help track anyone related to the case by tracking the mail. He thought
his plan could help located the child.
However, Lindbergh strongly disagreed and rejected the plan because he feared his son’s life would be in danger. The day after Lindbergh disapproved the plan, a third letter was mailed to the Lindbergh home. It came from Brooklyn, and the letter warned that since the police were now involved with the case, the ransom had been raised to $70,000.
Have 50.000$ redy 25.000$ in
20$ bills 15.000$ in 10$ bills and
10.000$ 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 notify the Police
The child is in gut care.
Indication for all letters are
Singnature
and three hohls.
The word of the kidnapping spread rapidly throughout the city, and many people arrived at the Lindbergh's home for more information. Organized crime figures such as Al Capone spoke from prison and even offered to help with the investigation in exchange for money. This was obviously turned down by officials.
There was a total reward for the case of $75,000, which was very
significant because the offer was made at the beginning of the Great Depression.
A little while afterwards, a second ransom note arrived by mail. Ed Mulrooney,
the commissioner of the New York City police department, informed Lindbergh that
he could help track anyone related to the case by tracking the mail. He thought
his plan could help located the child.
However, Lindbergh strongly disagreed and rejected the plan because he feared his son’s life would be in danger. The day after Lindbergh disapproved the plan, a third letter was mailed to the Lindbergh home. It came from Brooklyn, and the letter warned that since the police were now involved with the case, the ransom had been raised to $70,000.