Crime and Punishment in America - Case Study Example

The parents had not paid a ransom when the body was discovered. The two killers also poured hydrochloric acid on the genitals, as well as the face of Frank with the aim of hiding the identity of their victim (Wolcott & Head, 2010).The primary characteristics of the wounds found on the victim were the marks of the chisel used to strike Frank in the head. In addition, there was a cloth that the criminals shoved down the throat of the victim, which led to suffocation that eventually killed Frank.

Other primary characteristics included the disfigured face and genitals of Frank, which indicated that a corrosive had been poured on the boy’s body (Wolcott & Head, 2010). The key evidence in the crime scene was a pair of glasses, which belonged to one of the criminals (Leopold). As evidence, the glasses were traced to the original source, which was the seller. The original source was quite instrumental since it was useful in tracing the real owner of the glasses. From the investigation conducted, it was evident that the unique glasses had been sold by one of the stores in the Chicago area.

In the entire Chicago, only three pairs of such glasses had been sold, with one pair belonging to Leopold (Wolcott & Head, 2010). The motive for killing the victim was to eliminate any evidence and ensure that the criminals cannot be traced. If the culprits only asked for a ransom and set their victim free, they could be easily identified since one of the killers was a cousin to the victim. The other possible motive for the killing was to make headlines. The killers wanted to commit a crime that would attract countrywide and worldwide attention.

They seemed to gain satisfaction from being read about in all newspapers about the crime they had committed (Wolcott & Head, 2010). #5The crime by Leopold and Loeb can be regarded as a homicide that falls under the category of first-degree murder. This is because the two planned to kill their victim, Bobby Frank. Their intention to kill the victim and stuff his body in a culvert seems like a well-planned affair that was thought of by the criminals before they committed the act. The criminals were also seriously convicted for their actions, and this tells that the court considered the homicide a serious crime (Wolcott & Head, 2010).

#6During criminal proceedings, there are basic investigative techniques that are used by the authorities who conduct the investigation. The techniques used can either be a physical examination or use of chemical methods, which mostly entail the use of forensics. The case followed the physical techniques of investigation to trace the owner of the glasses found at the crime scene.