The Lindbergh Kidnapping

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Apr 3, 2024

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Natalia Austin 3650 Case Studies of Forensic Anthropology Dr. Thomas Holland 19 November 2023 The Lindbergh Kidnapping Did the Use of Forensic Anthropology Help Solve This Case? The kidnapping of Charles Lindbergh Jr. is a famous case from 1932, in Hopewell, New Jersey. Home nanny, Betty Gow began to worry on the evening of March 1 st , 1932, when baby Charles Lindbergh Jr. was not found in his crib. Father, Charles Lindbergh goes to look for baby Lindbergh, when he notices a ransom note left behind. Almost two months later, Charles Lindbergh Jr. was found dead, and no one had any idea who would have done this. The timeline of this kidnapping was extremely short, as the report of the missing child, and finding of the remains was only a month apart. In this paper, I want to discuss the successfulness of the use of forensics, through the study of handwriting analysis and wood comparison but also look at the anthropological side of things that are used today, such as age estimation and blunt force trauma and talk about how that could have impacted the case more positively if they were used. The Lindbergh’s were an extremely wealthy family, which drew much attention to this case. The only motive that could even seem remotely logical was to take something from the Lindbergh family in exchange for their money. Well, that is exactly what happened. Throughout this case there was a series of ransom notes given to the family, stating in exchange for money, the kidnapper would make sure the child stays safe. After the first note, the “middleman” Dr. Condon, was the one to associate with the kidnapper for the family. He was given the ransom notes, in which he would give the allotted amount of money the kidnapper was asking for.

Tracking down this kidnapper was not easy, but the use of handwriting analysis, allowed for developing a profile for the killer. This case happened to be one of the first uses of this technique. The notes included unusual writing styles that caught the eye of investigators. Firstly, the money sign in America would come before the amount, for example, ($50,000). In the notes given to Dr. Condon, the kidnapper always put the money sign AFTER the amount, (50,000$). This happens to be more common in other countries that do not speak English. Another thing that jumped out to investigators, was the random misspellings, and use of adding alternate language into his notes. The kidnapper often used the word ’gut’ meaning ’good‘ in German language. As well as misspelling easy words like boat but spelling it as ’boad’. Which is unusual for many Americans, as boat is an easy word to spell. Lastly, while analyzing the ransom notes, investigators noticed a strange signature, which was nothing like they had seen before. It was a series of interlocking circles colored blue and red, accompanied by three-hole punches directly into the paper. Handwriting analysis in situations like this comes to be of much help, as it allows them to make an extremely specific profile of the person of interest.

The wood used in the ladder found by the Lindbergh’s home played a key role in this investigation. Arthur Koehler, wood expert, used his knowledge in this case to further examine the ladder and identify the wood used to make it and where it came from. Koehler used microscopic analysis, allowing to study the grain of wood (Norwegian spruce), which is commonly used in floor and ceiling joists in homes. Using the wood from the ladder, he was also able to identify the wood mill, in which the wood was processed in New York. This soon helped in identifying the killer, Richard Hauptmann, a carpenter in the state of New York. After getting the information needed to arrest Hauptmann, he was taken to trial. This trial lasted from January 2 to February 13, 1935, where he was found guilty and sentenced to death for the kidnapping and murder of Charles Lindbergh. Handwriting analysis and things found in Hauptmann’s home were used as evidence in the trial, but he maintained his innocence to the end. Although many common methods were used during this trial, they failed to find the use of a forensic anthropologist. If they had used a forensic anthropologist within this trial, it could have assisted with analyzing and interpreting physical evidence related to what happened. Examples could be age estimation, skeletal analysis including blunt force trauma, taphonomic analysis, and expert witnesses (someone that is familiar with all the grains of wood; case specific, etc.) The use of anthropologists during the 1930s would be considered uncommon, as anthropology in the field was not as developed or as recognized as it is today. It began to become more prominent towards the latter half of the 20 th century. The use for anthropologist in identification of skeletal remains, and the use of specifics that include but are not limited to age

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