The Lindbergh Kidnapping The Four Theories October 6, 2010 by Edward Jay Epstein

Theories that have been advanced  in this case include: 1. Lone Kidnapper Theory.  The prosecution asserted that Hauptmann acted alone. He planned and executed the kidnapping for ransom, but he accidentally killed the child, probably while climbing down the ladder. He then extorted a $50,000 "ransom" even though he knew Lindbergh's son was dead. 2. The Inside Job. According to this theory, a kidnapping gang--of which Hauptmann may have been a member-- had help from someone inside the Lindbergh household.  It could have been Violet Sharp or anyone else who knew when the toddler would be in the nursery and which window could be opened. 3.The Hapless Swindler Theory.  Hauptmann (or his confederates) read the newspaper ads offering a reward and, after faking a ransom note, collected and split the $50,000 ransom. Hauptmann, however, spent some of the money, allowing police to trace it to him.  He was then convicted of a crime he had pretended to have done in order to extort money. 4. Domestic Cover-up Theory.  Some member of the Lindbergh household accidentally killed the child and disposed of the body.  Then top cover up the crime wrote the ransom note.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         if you have any comments please reply below: your email: