Lindbergh Baby Kidnapping

Initial kidnappng

Mar 1, 1932

Charles August Lindbergh Jr. was kidnapped around 9 p.m. from the nursery on the second floor in the Lindbergh household in Hopwell, New Jersey.

Discovery of kidnapping & Ransom note

Mar 1, 1932

It was discovered by the nurse and reported to the parents at 10 pm the same day. They also discovered a ransom note for 50,000$ on the windowsill.

Second Ransom note

Mar 6, 1932

A second ransom note was received by Colonel Lindbergh, which demanded a ransom of $70,000.

Third Ransom Note

Mar 8, 1932

A third ransom note was found by the Lindbergh's attorney, stating that an intermediary appointed by them would not be accepted.

Fourth Ransom Note

Mar 9, 1932

Dr. Codon received a ransom note stating that he was an acceptable go-between.

Ransom Received by Codon

Mar 10, 1932

A ransom of $70,000 was received by Codon and immediately Codon started payment negotiations through the newspaper through columns using codename "Jafsie"

Fifth - Sixth Ransom Notes

Mar 12, 1932

A fifth ransom note received by Codon delivered by Joeseph Perrone, a taxi driver, from a stranger. This led to the sixth ransom note, where Codon met with an unidentified person to discuss payment.

Baby Suit + Seventh Ransom Note Discovered

Mar 16, 1932

The baby suit, a token for identity, and seventh ransom note were received by Codon. The suit was delivered and identified.

Eight Ransom Note

Mar 21, 1932

Received by Codon, insisting on complete compliance and advising that the kidnapping had been planned for a year.

Thumb Guard Found

Mar 29, 1932

Betty Gow found the baby's thumb guard, worn at the time of the kidnapping.

Ninth Ransom Note

Mar 30, 1932

Received by Codon, threatening that the ransom be increased to $100,000 and refused the code for use in newspaper columns

Tenth Ransom Note

Apr 1, 1932

Delivered to Codon, Instructing Codon to have the ransom money ready for the next night.

12th Note Found

Apr 2, 1932

Found by Codon the next day, and according to instructions, met with "John" to reduce the ransom to $50,000.

13th Note Found

Apr 4, 1932

The note was given to Codon, revealing that the baby was aboard a boat named "Nellie" near Martha's Vineyard, Mass. An unsuccessful investigation proved it to be a fake lead.

Discovery of Body

May 12, 1932

The body of the baby was accidentally found, partially buried, 4 miles from the Lindbergh home. The head was crushed, hole in skull, body members missing. the body was identified and cremated the following day