Nobody forgot Bobby! Jesus. What is wrong with you people?! The reason the story is so sad and memorable and unforgettable is BECAUSE of Bobby and his family.
My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand. I and my Father are one.” Jesus Christ, John 10:27-30 Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first among you must be the slave of everyone else. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Jesus Christ, Mark 10:42-45 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” Jesus Christ, John 14:6 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” Jesus Christ, Matthew 6:33 John 3:3, ESV: Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.
the case of leopold and loeb is such an infamous one in true crime, but to hear it from the point of view of the victim's family is something that sadly doesn't get portrayed as often as it should. thank you for telling it this way.
Yes, and from my previous knowledge of the case, it has also been said that Leopold and Loeb were initially going to abduct and murder a different person. That person was spared due to the fact that he had an appointment to see a dentist, and that child went to that appointment. I always thought about how lucky he was on that terrible day. I even saw a mini documentary that recorded the testimony of that first intended victim, speaking of the incident at a very old age. I will admit that I, for one reason or another, have always been fascinated with the Leopold and Loeb case. I also have heard that the attorney that represented Leopold and Loeb had a messy and unkempt look, and when Leopold first laid his eyes on him, he murmured something like, dear lord we are doomed, to Loeb. Little did he know that their attorney, Clarence Darrow, was a brilliant and staunch opponent of capital punishment. It has also been said that Mr. Darrow actually brought tears to the Judges eyes while he made his closing argument. A few movies have also been made about this case as well. So, go right ahead and think that I am a little bit Leopold and Loeb obsessed. I'm so pleased that Mr. Ballen has recounted this story in the masterful and proficient way that he always does.
I've tried listening to other story tellers and ... no. You're voice is conversational, not forced or monotonal. You put real emotion into your voice, not overly dramatic for effect. Never stop storytelling, please. You are the best.
The narcissism of killers who seriously think they will be the 1% who get away with the crime never ceases to astound me. They ALL think they’re waaaayyyyy smarter than everyone else but they always get found out if not the next day then eventually. The perfect murder doesn’t exist-let alone one being called that in which it took less than a week to solve. It’s ironic b/c while singularly these men might be “geniuses,” when a group of people come together to try & solve a crime/riddle/problem their collective brain power cancels out all “narcissistic geniuses.”
It's a definitive trait of Narcissists to have very low IQs (they always think they know better than everyone else- including teachers). A defining trait of Psychopaths, however, is high IQs. So you may be asking, then are these two "geniuses" narcissists or psychopaths? The issue with psychology is that humans can be very complex creatures, and it's more than possible for there to be grey area. In this case, I reckon that it's likely that these two murderers can be best described as being Psychopaths with Narcissistic tendencies... It would explain them being both highly intelligent and incredibly stupid at the same time. If anyone's got another theory, I'm all ears...
In the 1920s, it was closer to 1% of murders that DID get solved. If they had picked a poor kid, and hid the body better, the kid would have been called a run away and never investigated.
So I just gotta say I'm in recovery and watching your videos helps me get through my drug and alcohol cravings . Whenever I'm sad , or the grief and shame of my past lingers to the surface I watch you . So I want to thank you Mr.Ballen for having such a weird yet profoundly positive affect on my recovery and sobriety . Sincerely from my soul thank you
Wow, what a shame. All three of those boys could have gone on to do amazing things, but one was killed just because of the other two's narcissism. Fantastic story as always, thanks John!
@George_M.916 I think K. Russell meant they could have done amazingly positive and good. However, psychopaths are not "curable", so unfortunately I doubt it.
They were geniuses on paper and you can tell they were driven by how they went straight to applying this stuff they learned into action. It's too bad they were also stupid.
To know that he was family members with Bobby and he totally betrayed his family like that that makes even worse. Poor Bobby could’ve done many things with his life.
To think u get in the car with wat was described as basically ur best friend and he just keeps driving and not responding as ur being gashed in the back of the head. Imagine wat Bobby might have thought or felt when he realized his friend wasn't helping him. Poor innocent little bobby.
@@cortezbaldur413 exactly. It's bad enough with someone hurt you and then you can keep living, but Bobby was betrayed by a person he trusted and that's the last thing he saw. It's just it's devastating how people can be so cruel.
Sam, sadly, blood is not always thicker than water. Unfortunately, sometimes it isn't even as thick as water because most crime in the world is committed by those we know and love and so its done to those THEY "know and love". Some people actually get away with small things such as constant petty crime like stealing small amounts of cash. And for years sometimes because thier close friends and family would never turn them in even if they found out who was stealing it. And some people wouldn't turn them in if they did find out. And for those sociopaths in our families, this just makes them think they could get away with more, like child S.A. And yes, that too goes on for years. So it stands to reason if they think they will be found out, they sometimes feel they could even get away with murder. And some do. Even though they say we pass by 36 serial killers in our lifetimes, most murderers kill only once and only those they know or who they are related to. And the first to do it was Cain.
I remember reading about this story..as a kid when my father was still alive,he had a book about crimes of the 20th century(I would sneak,read it)..I have a teenage son now, so this hits hard..may Bobby continue to RIP, almost 100 years later 🙏..on a lighter note, I hope Mr.Ballen,his family and everyone reading this, have a happy, safe Easter!
Thank you Shelly- you to, I hope you and your family have a fabulous time. Kids love Easter, my nephew was over yesterday- he's 3- and when I gave him his first Cadbury egg, I thought he would explode he was so thrilled. He took it around and showed everyone in the house before he ate it. I made him a music box- hand carved Spanish cedar- with a movement inside that plays "You Are My Sunshine" and he was thrilled with it as well - he kept asking me "Did you make it just for me?"- he's precious.
I totally agree and I'm here to shout out a new channel for the in-between time you have every week when you're waiting for a Mrballen drop his name is Mr. E Files, he got inspired from Mrballen and his stories are fire 🔥
The love of my life died yesterday and we discovered this channel right at the very beginning....thank you for helping me distract myself on this awful day and thanks for the memories....rip Justin ❤ I love you forever
This is why I love your channel, Mr Ballen.. The fact that you ALWAYS centered your stories with the victim(s) instead of the killers, gives off the perpective that the victim or the families and friends have when the heinous crimes happened to them.. I hate when the story is centered around the perpetrator, sometimes like we're suppose to have sympathy or some shit to him/her.. Like no thanks, I don't want to know what it's like to be a murderer..
It's a shame that teaching people how to identify the signs of someone being a narcissist/psychopath in schools around the world. Perhaps because then everyone would realize all our leaders and billionaires are total narcissists.
@John Rivers tell me you're trolling. Nothing in their comment indicates they're not calm not only that but it also takes a special kind of stupid to say "it's just a show" when this actually happened.
That crime story is a perfect example of what that fine line between genius and insanity actually looks like and how that phenomenon can play out. Crazy
Insanity is basically doing the same EXACT thing while expecting different results. this ain't insanity. Just stupidity. Outright idiots doing the dumb.
This case perfectly demonstrates that just because your 'smart' or 'intelligent'; doesnt mean you wont make mistakes. While there is such a thing as just being 'generally' smart, we humans tend to specialise. We can be smart in some things and yet be ignorant in others. And thats not even taking into account the ego that some more intelligent people tend to cultivate.
Yup. I have seen highly educated leading experts of their field have insanely stupid opinions on subjects outside their specialty. Like way dumber than most normal people. I always figured it’s because they spent most of their life focusing study in their subject in depth while only having a general understanding of others not deemed relevant at the time, but their expertise in their field gives them the ego that makes them assume their intelligence will translate to being an expert in everything
@@DarthLesbian Yeah, pretty much. When you focus on one thing, you dont exactly have a good view of the peripheral. Yet you still think you do. Arent humans fun lol. Then theres also the whole 'street smart vs book smart' thing that may play a part too.
As someone from Chicago, I’ve heard this one so many times, but it never gets old! Especially when you go into so much detail, it gets so much better! Love your storytelling!
MRBALLEN IS THE BEST AND I'M HERE TO shout out a new channel for the in-between time you have every week when you're waiting for a Mrballen drop his name is Mr. E Files, he got inspired from Mrballen and his stories are fire 🔥
What a strange start to the day. I've known about the Bobbi Franks murder for about 50 years, but I had never heard of Mortin and Louis. I wondered how 2 exact crimes could have been committed until you mentioned the killers real names. I grew up in Northern MI where the Loebs had a summer home and a dairy farm which is now known as Castle Farms. I've often considered suggesting this story for you to cover. Great job as always
MRBALLEN IS THE BEST AND I'M HERE TO shout out a new channel for the in-between time you have every week when you're waiting for a Mrballen drop his name is Mr. E Files, he got inspired from Mrballen and his stories are fire 🔥
I was thinking same thing as you. I've known about this for about 50 years also. Couldn't figure out who these 2 were until heard "eyeglasses". I thought how weird how so similar until heard that. Then I knew exactly who the 2 men were.
I thought the same thing. I have followed this story for years after reading about it at school. The case has always fascinated me but today is the first time I have ever read about this Morten and Louis pair. The reveal at the end was like a Twilight Zone episode ending. Great job Mr Ballen!!
We really appreciate you, Mr Ballen ❤ I am in the beginning of recovery and newly released from prison, you have been a great help. Anytime I get bored or my mind starts racing, I go straight to my diamond art and put on something strange, dark, and mysterious. Thank you for helping a very anxious 30 year old single mom in recovery, slow my mind down and relax for a couple hours while my son is in school. 😊
I was hoping so bad that Bobby was still alive but then you started vividly describing what happened to him and my heart just sank (and broke at the same time)... Poor sweetheart... T_T
I can't believe I can actually add something to a Mr Ballen episode! They also threw acid on his body. Also, they found letters in Leopolds room that suggested a relationship between him and Loeb.
I actually first learned about Leopold and Loeb because of the supposed relationship, which I heard about on an episode of Supernatural of all things, lol. To quote: "I knew those boys were trailer trash the moment they rolled up in that American-made. Not to mention homosexuals. Homosexual murderers. Like Leopold and Loeb. Only hotter." - Supernatural, season 10, episode 6 I started digging into this case after that scene, and I don't regret it
@@SomedudeonRUclipsB It's worth noting that even if they were gay, most gays are completely harmless and are some of the nicest people you will ever meet. Unfortunately, all humans are capable of being narcissists despite age, weight, religion, sexuality, gender, race, etc. etc. The golden rule is always be kind and caring to others (except narcissists they can burn in Hell). "In the end, only kindness matters." - Jewel (singer/songwriter)
Yes, and what a fine line there is between intelligence and murder. I sometimes wonder if it is because smart people get sick of dealing with so many relatively stupid people. I am sure that would be frustrating.
@@camc9225 how am I enabling anyone? I am just commenting on the trend and why I think it exists and I am showing sympathy for their frustration. I didn't say I agreed with it or that what they did about it was right. Judging from your comment, it seems you never learned how to be sympathetic toward people unless you 100% agree with their actions. That's weird. You don't have to like everything someone does to understand that frustration sucks.
The Alfred Hitchcock movie "Rope" is inspired by this case. Two rich guys (who it's strongly implied are lovers) strangle their friend, dump his body in a chest, and invite people over to serve food to them off of the chest. Just to show that they can. They're brilliant but so arrogant that they end up giving themselves away.
God I remember that movie!! Yes it was definitely based off this story. I read somewhere about this story of what happened to Bobby first before I saw the movie Rope and when I seen the movie I still felt my heart sink for both victims.
Used to love to watch Alfred Hitchcock is a kid but apparently I missed that one. Was it a kid killed in that movie? Pretty sure if it was I would have remembered that
@@ItsMe-ic7on It's not a kid, it's a grown man. I don't think the 1948 censors would have allowed the film if it was a kid. Brilliant film though. Highly recommend you watch it if you haven't. James Stewart is in it - a Hitchcock regular.
As a mystery criminal behavior follower, I enjoyed this story as I hadn't heard it before. The twist is that the offenders were from the same class and neighborhood. It's sad that one of them was his friend and cousin. It's likely more so since Bobby's cousin and family member killed him, the father suffered immensely. Family can be more horrid than strangers.
It’s so sad that not only did they kill Bobby but all 3 of them could have been someone who could have done great things…just shows how crazy this world can be!! It hits home because I’m from Indiana and have been to Chicago many times so I can’t imagine how awful this must have been for Bobby’s family!! And knowing that one of them was the cousin he was close with!! Ugh
Agreed! From NWI myself and this does hit home since I am like you and spent many times in Chicago. I love Chicago history and this is the first I’m hearing of how bad this was!
Bobby could have... I don't think the other 2 would have... They were arrogant spoiled bastards and thinking they were above the law proves this... They were already down a dark path and nothing would have saved them.
Wow just wow. How absolutely awful. They way his own cousin had not a second thought to kill Bobby in such a gruesome way is terrifying. That poor kid may he rest in peace.
Have been hearing about Leopold and Loeb for as long as I can remember. Thought it was just 2 smart rich guys who killed someone they didn't know to prove to themselves they could get away with it. Thank you so much for a truly interesting and informative narration. Monsters don't hide in the closet or under the bed, they are the people we pass on the street and don't really notice. So, so sad,
Nothing better than a Mrballen story on a Sunday morning yes it’s morning for me. Also it’s crazy how many mysteries there are in life it’s like there’s endless amount of stories like this which is horrifying.
I have heard about this particular story before. I have seen a documentary about it, but that focused a lot more on the crime itself and the legal aspect of it. So it was refreshing to hear more about the "human aspect" - the family and what they went through. Another interesting fact about this case: it was also called the crime of the century because it incited a huge debate about the death penalty. The families hired a lawyer who was fundamentally against it and managed to get these kids off death row and lessen their sentence to life in prison. It was also the first time that psychiatrists were hired for an evaluation in court. So, in a way that case paved the way for court battles as we know them today.
@@carlosnunes929 it was a German documentary on a channel called ZDF Info...I don't remember the name, but it was really fascinating! I hope there's a version with subtitles available.
@@carlosnunes929 ruclips.net/video/2G3bGvQVQ_U/видео.html There it is! Unfortunately there are no subtitles and they constantly talk over the English parts...^^"
Did you ever see Hitchcock's movie Rope? It was based on a play that was based on this event. It wasn't the killing of Bobby - but more about the idea of thinking you are so above everyone else that you could get away with murder
This story is SO sad on so many different levels. Poor Bobby sounds like an amazing kid and who knows what he could've done with his life. Then you have 2 "men" who also had so much potential to do great things but instead chose the worst possible thing all because they felt they could get away with anything due to their parents success. That's awful to say the least. My heart goes out to Bobby's family.
@@mrwhat5094 I know the first comment is lol. I meant the mrballen "loved" my comment not what that other person actually wrote but ty for giving me a heads up. I appreciate it!
It took until the last 3-4 minutes to recognise this crime. Mr. Ballen did a fantastic job humanising this well known crime. The actual murder as per his narration was incredibly sad & will stay with me for a long time. Thank you.
Mr Ballen! I love listening to you tell stories! I will replay your videos over again if I don’t have new ones to watch! You are like a good friend in the room telling me stories and keeping me company! Love you and what you do ❤
I've heard this story before. According to some tellings, the duo thought they could get away with murder and wanted to test their theory and so they planned this whole scenario out and then committed the crime, just because they felt they could and get away with it. They would today be classified as "narcissists."
I think narcissist is something they may have been prior to this, this is what psychopaths do. Narcissists hurt feelings lie cheat and steal to bend the world to their ends, psychopaths injure and kill people just because they can.
Oh my god i remember watching a show on this several years ago called “A Crime to Remember” (very good show highly recommend) and it was the first time I’d heard of the notorious Leopold and Loeb. It’s astounding how egotistical and entitled they felt to play the roles of judge, jury, & executioner. They may have claimed it was a way to demonstrate their “superior intellect,” but the reality is that they were incredibly foolish and brazen in thinking they could _really_ get away with it. What a bunch of monsters…
Much stupider criminals have gotten away with much more. Their peerless arrogance got them caught. They believed that they had an intellectual Midas Touch, where every plan they created would automatically turn into a faultless masterplan. They didn't bother to create any contingencies, because they believed that it was inconceivable that the first draft of their could be anything less than perfect.
MRBALLEN IS THE BEST AND I'M HERE TO shout out a new channel for the in-between time you have every week when you're waiting for a Mrballen drop his name is Mr. E Files, he got inspired from Mrballen and his stories are fire 🔥
@@TheCrimsonS4ge Which in turn made them not as intelligent and superior as they thought they were. Wisdom is realizing you have so much more to learn. They were very foolish.
@@TheCrimsonS4ge If they were so intelligent, they would not put books in a suitcase that was unlocked. They would also scan the area where they put the body to make sure they hadn't left any evidence.
They were idiot narcissists who wasted not only their own lives, but the life of the 14 year kid by murderering him. Sickening was the fact it was his own cousin. These guys fell into radical evil. It looks like Mr Ballen is hitting on you, lol.
I just wanted to say a huge thank you to Mr. Ballen. My rabbit who was older and we knew he wasn't gong to last long with us and it was like end of life, ended up living 10 months with us. He would thump at me if I didn't put your videos on for night time for him to go to bed and would murder every cardboard box around in his way of packing a paddy if it wasn't on in the morning too. He passed away on Tuesday, and this video was the last one he got to listen to and fall asleep to, leading to his loud snoring on the living room floor. Thank you for bringing him happiness. And me too. ❤
I love that you have always stayed true to you. You’ve become my favorite story teller! A 7 hour drive across the states was made so much less irritating by putting your videos on play all and listening to those. Thank you for your passion in telling these stories!
Bobby's own cousin, who was supposed to be one of his best friends, just thought it would be fun to murder him. If that's intelligence, I think I'll stay stupid. As cousins, that would mean that one of Bobby's parents is directly related to one of Richard's parents. This horrible crime destroyed two branches of the same family. Unthinkable. That poor little boy and his family. 😢❤
Even intelligent peeps can have horrible traits, like psychopathy, narcissism, antisocial and borderline personality. Intelligence in this murderous sense is like blue eyes, there will be horrible people with it for sure, but not all smart peeps are killers.
@@lynnecamp3268 …..Clarence Darrow left it up to the judge….money talks. The judge said they were so young, they would not hang. Since Loeb was murdered at 30, he really only lived 12 years. His murderer (another ex-con was acquitted of his murder). The life of luxury was long gone.
The irony of them believing themselves above the law and superior to everyone else is incredulous to me as they threw away everything that elevates them in society. I.e wealth and fame
Well, he did have other kids. Bobby was apparently his mothers favorite though. That was published at the time. I wonder how that made the other kids feel.
@@WyattRyeSway yes, Jacob Franks did had other kids but the gruesome and untimely death of his younger son left him so devastated that within 4 years of Bobby's death, he passed away too.
@@alexanderdean8682 she already knows that dude, why are u repeating it again?😂 As for Jacob, even if he had other kids ,still no loving parent in the world ever wants to see his own offspring die in such a brutal manner and at such a young age. Having one kid or several kids doesn't matter.
MRBALLEN IS THE BEST AND I'M HERE TO shout out a new channel for the in-between time you have every week when you're waiting for a Mrballen drop his name is Mr. E Files, he got inspired from Mrballen and his stories are fire 🔥
One of my favorite things about your videos (besides literally everything), is how you always make sure to remind us of timeframes. You don’t just say, for example, “then on the evening of July 4th 1997….,” you’ll instead say, “then on the evening of July 4th 1997, which is 1 week after she disappeared….” I really like that because I usually forget the date you said and can’t figure out a timeframe in other stories, but you always make sure to remind us and it’s super helpful. It’s like you’re good at this or something 😆 Thanks for all of your videos, they’re truly so entertaining and I can always watch it all go down in my head like I’m watching a movie. That’s how you know you’re a skilled storyteller. Thanks again!
I can barely walk these days, so relaxing and entertainment are crucial to keep me sane. Your videos are so helpful , bless you and all you do ! Mondays , Thursdays and Sundays are always GREAT DAYS
I’ve been a fan for a while and I’ve gotten friends and family addicted as well. We now have “Ballen bashes” at each others homes so we watch together. He is a great story teller and I’m so happy that more and more people are watching. Keep those stories coming and thank you!
I have studied the Horror genre since the 80s. I am fascinated by this transition back to oral storytelling, particularly in horror. I think the intimacy that happens when you tell a story live is especially suited for this genre. You are experiencing that fear and catharsis with someone. In this case, you get the feeling the guy could actually save your life if needed! The truth is that for our mental health storytellers do save our sanity.
MRBALLEN IS THE BEST AND I'M HERE TO shout out a new channel for the in-between time you have every week when you're waiting for a Mrballen drop his name is Mr. E Files, he got inspired from Mrballen and his stories are fire 🔥
It's not so much sanity as it keeps us all in the same reality. It's a way to keep community together. Like music storytelling is about unity and happiness, even when it's scary. Lol
Hope you don't take this the wrong way but for over 6 months now your videos have helped me fall asleep. The way you tell the stories ans your voice is relaxing for me, like a bedtime story and as someone who's struggled with insomnia for most of my life this is truly a blessing. Thank you so much for making these videos ❤️
I totally agree! Mr. Ballon is the best story teller that I have found. I love the stories he researches that gives his stories the extra that others don't. Good job Mr. Ballon... keep the stories coming.
A case that has fascinated me for years. I've read and watched tons of stuff about this case, so I knew what it was from the beginning. However, the way you told it from the angle of Bobby Franks' parents gave it a whole new slant. I knew you'd do something different with it, and I was right. Well done!!
I first heard about this story when I was a teenager, I was fascinated. It also made me, somewhat irrationally, suspicious of those who have inherited wealth. More importantly it made me want to study psychology. Thank you for the details.
Rest in peace, Bobbie . These guys were cowards they were both rich kids who thought they were invincible and couldn't get caught. Well they weren't that clever because if one of the killers hadn't had dropped his glasses by Bobby's body they both would never have got caught . In some mad kind of way Bobbie got justice beyond the grave.😊 happy Easter Mr ballen and everyone .
Justice means nothing when you're dead. It's only good for those who are survivors. Nothing will bring that poor boy back, and his parents probably got little to no satisfaction from justice being served. It's the general public who is satisfied with justice, and that's why it's so important that NO ONE is above the law.
So sad that they did this to Bobby. I'm glad they got caught and were incarcerated. Why do people murder people? It's such a cowardice thing to do. Thank You for the video Mr. Ballen.
@@TheBayzent I've met many murderers through my job. Of those who claimed to be religious, most were Catholics. Food for thought? Of course not. You can't judge a whole group of people from the actions of a few nutters.
This has always been one of the most sickening murder stories to me. I'm not sure why, I've read about a lot more horrific crimes, but this simply always strikes hard. Mr. Ballen's retelling is just that brilliant, even if you know what is going to happen.
MRBALLEN IS THE BEST AND I'M HERE TO shout out a new channel for the in-between time you have every week when you're waiting for a Mrballen drop his name is Mr. E Files, he got inspired from Mrballen and his stories are fire 🔥
Actually, Richard Loeb was murdered in prison and Leopold was eventually released. Hal Higdon wrote the definitive book on them: Leopold and Loeb: Crime of the Century. Clarence Darrow was their defense attorney which is how they avoided the death penalty.
You truly have a gift telling stories. I can honestly say if I were to ever die in a strange dark or mysterious way you sir are the one I'd want to tell my story. Thank you for your service and Happy Easter!
Crazy how they were just friends but we’re almost identical to each other in appearance. When I first clicked on the video I thought it was gonna be about to rich & genius brothers turned killers …. Fooled me. Thanks for always making these cases about the victims & not just the killers as most people do. It really speaks to your character & how important it is for you to tell the victims story & to not focus to much on the perpetrators beside a little back & the crime accused and/or charged with. We all appreciate Ballen 👌🏽💯
they weren't just friends actually, they were in a relationship, which is partly why people focus so much on the killers in this crime as opposed to Bobby and his family.
I would imagine many murderers think they are above everyone else in this world. Most are narcissistic. I always enjoy your story telling. You have a back for it.
MRBALLEN IS THE BEST AND I'M HERE TO shout out a new channel for the in-between time you have every week when you're waiting for a Mrballen drop his name is Mr. E Files, he got inspired from Mrballen and his stories are fire 🔥
@@azizabdulai9989 I’ve been watching Mr ballen for over 3 years now and his old ones are way better just watch them and you’ll see. They got so bad once he stopped posting “3,4, or even 5 times a week” and stopped doing the series’
I always feel like im in a history class listening to these stories, Not only are they so interesting but, the fact that its REAL LIFE EVENTS and just so detailed with pictures to back it up, we need teachers like this...Detail oriented and giving us the feels and chills with the stories of history. I mean, I will never stray away from this page. Also, it's so eye-opening to how niave alot of us are when I hear people say "oh it wasn't this crazy back in the day." ummmm, yes, young grasshopper, it was...lol
I completely agree. He could read me the phone book, and I would be enthralled. I’ve watched each video multiple times, and I’m so happy when Sunday rolls around.
Studying history is more than just storytelling. Storytelling is for entertainment; the goal of studying history is to support students in exercising historical thinking skills, which requires active engagement with content beyond passively listening to stories. Good history teachers make their students, not their own voices, the focus of lessons.
When you said Mom was on the ground lifeless, I thought Bobby killed his Mom! Wow, I love how you can do that! I can never tell where you're going, even on the occasions I've already heard the story. Great storytelling!
Happy Easter everyone! 🐣🐰 Thank you Mr. Ballen for all the great stories you tell us. Hearing Mr. Ballen’s special way of storytelling about intriguing stories just makes the day better :)
There’s nothing like a mr ballen story to put a kick into your Sunday, thanks John you’ve given us so much in these last few years would like to thank you and credit you for all the time and effort you put into these stories
MRBALLEN IS THE BEST AND I'M HERE TO shout out a new channel for the in-between time you have every week when you're waiting for a Mrballen drop his name is Mr. E Files, he got inspired from Mrballen and his stories are fire 🔥
Its been a real trip here watching Johns channel grow from 15k followers to the current 7million plus. After viewing his first few videos i knew he was going to blow up on here. Enthralling is the only word i can use to accurately describe his content. Its amusing to think of new fans finding his page and having all of those old videos to watch back to back. Well over 100 hours of content. Trust me, it goes quickly. He only had about 17 videos when i first found his channel so i was not lucky enough to have the opportunity to binge watch them. But i was out of the country for a couple years without internet access and when i came back to America i had about 50 videos to watch and noticed his channel exploded on RUclips. Congrats John. Youve built one hell of a special thing here. I hope you continue providing us such amazing content for years to come. Not going to lie, i was struggling with some things for awhile and dealing with tragedy and your videos were able to take me out of that hell in my mind and they gave me the opportunity to have an adventure. Many thanks to you for everything youve done for the world my man.
Well he used to be. Unfortunately his "a forest so evil its illegal to enter" story is not a true story and the title is a straight up lie: it's illegal to enter because it's private property and people kept littering and destroying property out there so the owner said no more visitors. I was extremely disappointed in him for the way that topic was handled.
MRBALLEN IS THE BEST AND I'M HERE TO shout out a new channel for the in-between time you have every week when you're waiting for a Mrballen drop his name is Mr. E Files, he got inspired from Mrballen and his stories are fire 🔥
Oh my gosh, this story - like most crime videos on this channel - is heartbreaking. I don't talk to my cousins, we drifted a part when my family moved out of state, but I still can't even see a day where I would look at any of them and go "oh what an easy target." I used to be SO close with my eldest female cousin, we were really like bffs as kids. I don't know how Bobby's best friend cousin could even toy with the idea of murder. Wouldn't he have felt sad before the act about your bff not being around anymore?
My cousin(female) and I grew up like brother and sister in the same neighborhood. We are both an only child and 6 months apart in age. She got mad and threw a knife at me once, but I never once thought about killing her.
They were clearly narcissists. And people like that does not function at all when it comes to feelings and/or emotions. Everything is about them, nothing else.
MRBALLEN IS THE BEST AND I'M HERE TO shout out a new channel for the in-between time you have every week when you're waiting for a Mrballen drop his name is Mr. E Files, he got inspired from Mrballen and his stories are fire 🔥
Celebrating Easter by listening to a story about a child getting murdered? I’d say there are alot better ways to celebrate Easter. Christ is risen, but you celebrate a child getting murdered.
I had heard this story a long time ago but had forgotten it. So horrific and disturbing. It show how being rich and living in a fancy neighborhood doesn’t keep you safe. It also shows it can be difficult to recognize that someone you know could be a monster. Such a sad story, but very well told by you!
I got hooked on this channel from the first 30 seconds that I watched my first video and now it’s like I’m addicted to hearing a new story weekly. Thank you MrBallen for these stories keep on doing what you’re doing👍🏿
You have such a great way of telling stories that even if it's a bigger case or something I have heard of before, I am still enthralled the entire time! Thank you for all your content and your amazing retellings of the strange, dark, and mysterious!
Mrballen I follow your videos since the very beginning and I am still thrilled for every new work you put out. I know how much effort you put in making your videos so I think you absolutely deserve every blessing that RUclips has granted you and your family
MRBALLEN IS THE BEST storyteller AND I'M HERE TO shout out a new channel for the in-between time you have every week when you're waiting for a Mrballen drop his name is Mr. E Files, he got inspired from Mrballen and his stories are fire 🔥
MRBALLEN IS THE BEST storyteller AND I'M HERE TO shout out a new channel for the in-between time you have every week when you're waiting for a Mrballen drop his name is Mr. E Files, he got inspired from Mrballen and his stories are fire 🔥
Excellent telling of this famous story! Many of your fans may not know that Alfred Hitchcock’s famous 1948 movie, ‘ROPE’ (with James Stewart), was based on this case. Different characters, different place, but the story itself is the same. I highly recommend it. (Do you know it Mr B?)
As always I needed this video this week, a welcome current life distraction! Thank you so much for your consistency, I know I am not the only one who deeply looks forward to these captivating stories!
MRBALLEN IS THE BEST storyteller AND I'M HERE TO shout out a new channel for the in-between time you have every week when you're waiting for a Mrballen drop his name is Mr. E Files, he got inspired from Mrballen and his stories are fire 🔥
![Digital Circus Episode 4 [TRAILER]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/abZtsmMUbJo/mqdefault.jpg)
It’s so good to hear more about the victim and his family. For decades the story focused on the killers. Bobby seemed to have been forgotten.
So, essentially, the media hasn't changed in a hundred years.
Such an excellent comment Teresa. We need more of you.
Nobody forgot Bobby! Jesus. What is wrong with you people?! The reason the story is so sad and memorable and unforgettable is BECAUSE of Bobby and his family.
@kcbh24 whoa, it's just an opinion. One of many. 🤦🏾♀️
My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand. I and my Father are one.”
Jesus Christ, John 10:27-30
Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first among you must be the slave of everyone else. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
Jesus Christ, Mark 10:42-45
Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”
Jesus Christ, John 14:6
But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”
Jesus Christ, Matthew 6:33
John 3:3, ESV: Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.
the case of leopold and loeb is such an infamous one in true crime, but to hear it from the point of view of the victim's family is something that sadly doesn't get portrayed as often as it should. thank you for telling it this way.
Yes, and from my previous knowledge of the case, it has also been said that Leopold and Loeb were initially going to abduct and murder a different person. That person was spared due to the fact that he had an appointment to see a dentist, and that child went to that appointment. I always thought about how lucky he was on that terrible day. I even saw a mini documentary that recorded the testimony of that first intended victim, speaking of the incident at a very old age. I will admit that I, for one reason or another, have always been fascinated with the Leopold and Loeb case. I also have heard that the attorney that represented Leopold and Loeb had a messy and unkempt look, and when Leopold first laid his eyes on him, he murmured something like, dear lord we are doomed, to Loeb. Little did he know that their attorney, Clarence Darrow, was a brilliant and staunch opponent of capital punishment. It has also been said that Mr. Darrow actually brought tears to the Judges eyes while he made his closing argument. A few movies have also been made about this case as well. So, go right ahead and think that I am a little bit Leopold and Loeb obsessed. I'm so pleased that Mr. Ballen has recounted this story in the masterful and proficient way that he always does.
Yes. I've heard of the killers but learning about the other side was truly interesting. Such a sad story.
@@louisdevalois4358 6d
@@louisdevalois4358 obsessed with what? What so obsessing about 2 low life evil scumbag? They are rotting in hell for eternity 👌🏻
What was the point of him hurting the dog? I get why he do what he did i just dont get why he hurt a dog the scum bag
I've tried listening to other story tellers and ... no. You're voice is conversational, not forced or monotonal. You put real emotion into your voice, not overly dramatic for effect. Never stop storytelling, please. You are the best.
The fact that he never stumbles with his articulate storytelling is also a major plus!
Love him and Annie Elise. Their voices are sooooo soothing ❤
@@stephaniescott2022 never heard Annie Elise
I like him and That Chapter.
Seriously, Im amazed that nobody else gets to this level.
The narcissism of killers who seriously think they will be the 1% who get away with the crime never ceases to astound me. They ALL think they’re waaaayyyyy smarter than everyone else but they always get found out if not the next day then eventually. The perfect murder doesn’t exist-let alone one being called that in which it took less than a week to solve.
It’s ironic b/c while singularly these men might be “geniuses,” when a group of people come together to try & solve a crime/riddle/problem their collective brain power cancels out all “narcissistic geniuses.”
It's a definitive trait of Narcissists to have very low IQs (they always think they know better than everyone else- including teachers). A defining trait of Psychopaths, however, is high IQs. So you may be asking, then are these two "geniuses" narcissists or psychopaths? The issue with psychology is that humans can be very complex creatures, and it's more than possible for there to be grey area. In this case, I reckon that it's likely that these two murderers can be best described as being Psychopaths with Narcissistic tendencies... It would explain them being both highly intelligent and incredibly stupid at the same time. If anyone's got another theory, I'm all ears...
I’m pretty sure most murders go unsolved
lots of murderers got unsolved man... but you have a point, always the narcissistic murderes got arrested
Book smarts definitely doesn't mean common sense
In the 1920s, it was closer to 1% of murders that DID get solved.
If they had picked a poor kid, and hid the body better, the kid would have been called a run away and never investigated.
So I just gotta say I'm in recovery and watching your videos helps me get through my drug and alcohol cravings . Whenever I'm sad , or the grief and shame of my past lingers to the surface I watch you . So I want to thank you Mr.Ballen for having such a weird yet profoundly positive affect on my recovery and sobriety . Sincerely from my soul thank you
Hey me too.
Yeah this has been helping me for over a year now
So proud of your efforts. I am cheering for you. Just know that there is love and joy in the world and you deserve these in your life. ❤
@@susanhall7049 god bless you you seem like a good girl Greetings from England
Kyla you got this. Recovery isn't easy but it is so worth it!
Wow, what a shame. All three of those boys could have gone on to do amazing things, but one was killed just because of the other two's narcissism.
Fantastic story as always, thanks John!
They did do amazing things crime of the century is a big deal
For you to think 2 of those 3 could have done amazing things is the real shame...
Psychopathy can’t be fixed
@George_M.916 I think K. Russell meant they could have done amazingly positive and good. However, psychopaths are not "curable", so unfortunately I doubt it.
They were geniuses on paper and you can tell they were driven by how they went straight to applying this stuff they learned into action. It's too bad they were also stupid.
I had a difficult time not falling to pieces when I heard what that little boy went through in his final moments. He must have been so scared.
omg right... as soon as Mr B.allen got into the details... n wicked animated i was like holy crap... just sent CHILLS down my spine....
I fell apart. Since having a baby I cry at the drop of a hat.
I have an 8 year old boy, so it just makes me choke up every time I hear something like this. Ugh, it just makes me feel sick.
It is especially upsetting when you think about how Bobby would have trusted his cousin only to become his victim. 😢
Don't message that reply from a so called MrBallen. It's a scam.
To know that he was family members with Bobby and he totally betrayed his family like that that makes even worse. Poor Bobby could’ve done many things with his life.
To think u get in the car with wat was described as basically ur best friend and he just keeps driving and not responding as ur being gashed in the back of the head. Imagine wat Bobby might have thought or felt when he realized his friend wasn't helping him. Poor innocent little bobby.
@@cortezbaldur413 exactly. It's bad enough with someone hurt you and then you can keep living, but Bobby was betrayed by a person he trusted and that's the last thing he saw. It's just it's devastating how people can be so cruel.
@@samwlodawskitheone it's all from ego man u watched the video they literally thought they were better than everyone.
Sam, sadly, blood is not always thicker than water. Unfortunately, sometimes it isn't even as thick as water because most crime in the world is committed by those we know and love and so its done to those THEY "know and love".
Some people actually get away with small things such as constant petty crime like stealing small amounts of cash. And for years sometimes because thier close friends and family would never turn them in even if they found out who was stealing it. And some people wouldn't turn them in if they did find out. And for those sociopaths in our families, this just makes them think they could get away with more, like child S.A. And yes, that too goes on for years. So it stands to reason if they think they will be found out, they sometimes feel they could even get away with murder. And some do. Even though they say we pass by 36 serial killers in our lifetimes, most murderers kill only once and only those they know or who they are related to. And the first to do it was Cain.
@@trombone113 very true sadly
I remember reading about this story..as a kid when my father was still alive,he had a book about crimes of the 20th century(I would sneak,read it)..I have a teenage son now, so this hits hard..may Bobby continue to RIP, almost 100 years later 🙏..on a lighter note, I hope Mr.Ballen,his family and everyone reading this, have a happy, safe Easter!
Thank you Shelly- you to, I hope you and your family have a fabulous time. Kids love Easter, my nephew was over yesterday- he's 3- and when I gave him his first Cadbury egg, I thought he would explode he was so thrilled. He took it around and showed everyone in the house before he ate it. I made him a music box- hand carved Spanish cedar- with a movement inside that plays "You Are My Sunshine" and he was thrilled with it as well - he kept asking me "Did you make it just for me?"- he's precious.
Why isnt this hearted by Mr Ballen but a literal spam accounts stolen comment is?
@Stoney's Dead Young nephews, nieces, and grandkids are the best! Happy Easter!
And to you as well) 😊
This story is literally referred as the “crime of the century” by some due to all 3 of these kids being white and rich af lol
It is a “privilege” to watch and listen to your stories! Happy Easter to all.
no Thank you 😂
I totally agree and I'm here to shout out a new channel for the in-between time you have every week when you're waiting for a Mrballen drop his name is Mr. E Files, he got inspired from Mrballen and his stories are fire 🔥
I see what you did there, lol
Yup
Nice pun.
The love of my life died yesterday and we discovered this channel right at the very beginning....thank you for helping me distract myself on this awful day and thanks for the memories....rip Justin ❤ I love you forever
I’m so sorry for your loss. ❤️🩹
I'm so sorry. I can't imagine. Take care of yourself love❤
Sorry for your loss, all the best ❤
So, so sorry for your loss. I hope you can find little bits of peace wherever possible.
I am sorry. Reinforced crystalline healing. Wrapping you and your family in heaviest love and light blankets Done 🙏👑💜✨💜✨💜✨💜✨💜✨💜✨
This is why I love your channel, Mr Ballen.. The fact that you ALWAYS centered your stories with the victim(s) instead of the killers, gives off the perpective that the victim or the families and friends have when the heinous crimes happened to them..
I hate when the story is centered around the perpetrator, sometimes like we're suppose to have sympathy or some shit to him/her.. Like no thanks, I don't want to know what it's like to be a murderer..
It's a shame that teaching people how to identify the signs of someone being a narcissist/psychopath in schools around the world. Perhaps because then everyone would realize all our leaders and billionaires are total narcissists.
Poor Bobby, that's so sad being betrayed by his best friend/family. I hate when kids are hurt more than anything.
Yep, this one was hard to listen to, I have a 15 year old son.
calm down its just a show
@John Rivers tell me you're trolling. Nothing in their comment indicates they're not calm not only that but it also takes a special kind of stupid to say "it's just a show" when this actually happened.
@@JohnRiversOfficialignorant and cringe comment.
@@JohnRiversOfficial has no kids 😢
Poor Bobby. No child deserves to face such a horrible death... he was having fun and he treated these monsters as friends :(
I trust brown and black men over white men. White men have killing in their blood.
That crime story is a perfect example of what that fine line between genius and insanity actually looks like and how that phenomenon can play out. Crazy
Truly geniuses lmao
They weren't crazy, they were just evil. They knew exactly what they were doing, crazy people don't.
Insanity is basically doing the same EXACT thing while expecting different results. this ain't insanity. Just stupidity. Outright idiots doing the dumb.
These guys may have been geniuses at school but they were STUPID!
This case perfectly demonstrates that just because your 'smart' or 'intelligent'; doesnt mean you wont make mistakes.
While there is such a thing as just being 'generally' smart, we humans tend to specialise.
We can be smart in some things and yet be ignorant in others.
And thats not even taking into account the ego that some more intelligent people tend to cultivate.
Yup. I have seen highly educated leading experts of their field have insanely stupid opinions on subjects outside their specialty. Like way dumber than most normal people. I always figured it’s because they spent most of their life focusing study in their subject in depth while only having a general understanding of others not deemed relevant at the time, but their expertise in their field gives them the ego that makes them assume their intelligence will translate to being an expert in everything
@@DarthLesbian Yeah, pretty much. When you focus on one thing, you dont exactly have a good view of the peripheral.
Yet you still think you do.
Arent humans fun lol.
Then theres also the whole 'street smart vs book smart' thing that may play a part too.
As someone from Chicago, I’ve heard this one so many times, but it never gets old! Especially when you go into so much detail, it gets so much better!
Love your storytelling!
MRBALLEN IS THE BEST AND I'M HERE TO shout out a new channel for the in-between time you have every week when you're waiting for a Mrballen drop his name is Mr. E Files, he got inspired from Mrballen and his stories are fire 🔥
Greetings from Milwaukee, your Midwest neighbor
Fellow Chicagoan here!! Always love when our city gets the spotlight.
I don’t know if we should share our Chicago pride with these guys?! 😂
Here from the Windy City also.
Even after all these years Mr Ballen still keeps putting out bangers
He always will, too. That’s the crazy part.
@@thehnrdepartment5680no
Thank you!
He don’t miss
Love how you called it "bangers" and he responded....epic!!!!
What a strange start to the day. I've known about the Bobbi Franks murder for about 50 years, but I had never heard of Mortin and Louis. I wondered how 2 exact crimes could have been committed until you mentioned the killers real names. I grew up in Northern MI where the Loebs had a summer home and a dairy farm which is now known as Castle Farms. I've often considered suggesting this story for you to cover. Great job as always
MRBALLEN IS THE BEST AND I'M HERE TO shout out a new channel for the in-between time you have every week when you're waiting for a Mrballen drop his name is Mr. E Files, he got inspired from Mrballen and his stories are fire 🔥
I was thinking same thing as you. I've known about this for about 50 years also. Couldn't figure out who these 2 were until heard "eyeglasses". I thought how weird how so similar until heard that. Then I knew exactly who the 2 men were.
The murderers were Jewish just like Leo Frank that raped and murdered 13yr old Mary Phagan. Noticing patterns is so interesting.
I thought the same thing. I have followed this story for years after reading about it at school. The case has always fascinated me but today is the first time I have ever read about this Morten and Louis pair. The reveal at the end was like a Twilight Zone episode ending. Great job Mr Ballen!!
"Bobby", not "Bobbi". He's a boy.
We really appreciate you, Mr Ballen ❤
I am in the beginning of recovery and newly released from prison, you have been a great help. Anytime I get bored or my mind starts racing, I go straight to my diamond art and put on something strange, dark, and mysterious. Thank you for helping a very anxious 30 year old single mom in recovery, slow my mind down and relax for a couple hours while my son is in school. 😊
Reinforced continued complete crystalline healing. Wrapping you and your family in heaviest love and light blankets. Done 🙏👑💜✨💜✨💜✨💜✨💜✨💜✨
@@kandykane3552 thank you, that was very sweet of you! Much love stay safe!
I was hoping so bad that Bobby was still alive but then you started vividly describing what happened to him and my heart just sank (and broke at the same time)... Poor sweetheart... T_T
I hoped Bobby was still alive when I found out he was brutally killed I began to cry
I liked the part when the murderers got caught.
you have a beautiful heart.... feel hugged :)
I trust brown and black men over white men. White men have killing in their blood.
I can't believe I can actually add something to a Mr Ballen episode! They also threw acid on his body. Also, they found letters in Leopolds room that suggested a relationship between him and Loeb.
Not surprised! Idiots in crime!
I suspected the relationship angle lol
Shocker😏
I actually first learned about Leopold and Loeb because of the supposed relationship, which I heard about on an episode of Supernatural of all things, lol.
To quote:
"I knew those boys were trailer trash the
moment they rolled up in that American-made.
Not to mention homosexuals.
Homosexual murderers.
Like Leopold and Loeb.
Only hotter."
- Supernatural, season 10, episode 6
I started digging into this case after that scene, and I don't regret it
@@SomedudeonRUclipsB It's worth noting that even if they were gay, most gays are completely harmless and are some of the nicest people you will ever meet. Unfortunately, all humans are capable of being narcissists despite age, weight, religion, sexuality, gender, race, etc. etc. The golden rule is always be kind and caring to others (except narcissists they can burn in Hell). "In the end, only kindness matters." - Jewel (singer/songwriter)
This just demonstrated to me how far back the system has been treating rich criminals like royalty even after committing horrendous crimes 🙄
Rich Caucasian criminals.
Yes, and what a fine line there is between intelligence and murder. I sometimes wonder if it is because smart people get sick of dealing with so many relatively stupid people. I am sure that would be frustrating.
@crystalh450 that's a wonderful way to enable smart people to kill 😅
@@camc9225 how am I enabling anyone? I am just commenting on the trend and why I think it exists and I am showing sympathy for their frustration. I didn't say I agreed with it or that what they did about it was right.
Judging from your comment, it seems you never learned how to be sympathetic toward people unless you 100% agree with their actions. That's weird. You don't have to like everything someone does to understand that frustration sucks.
Even the father in the story had the morals of a rat. Loaning money to gamblers is a disgusting way to get rich.
The Alfred Hitchcock movie "Rope" is inspired by this case. Two rich guys (who it's strongly implied are lovers) strangle their friend, dump his body in a chest, and invite people over to serve food to them off of the chest. Just to show that they can. They're brilliant but so arrogant that they end up giving themselves away.
A brilliant film that's almost one shot. Hitchcock caught the true darkness of the narcissistic criminal psyche.
Love that movie must watch again 😻
God I remember that movie!! Yes it was definitely based off this story. I read somewhere about this story of what happened to Bobby first before I saw the movie Rope and when I seen the movie I still felt my heart sink for both victims.
Used to love to watch Alfred Hitchcock is a kid but apparently I missed that one. Was it a kid killed in that movie? Pretty sure if it was I would have remembered that
@@ItsMe-ic7on It's not a kid, it's a grown man. I don't think the 1948 censors would have allowed the film if it was a kid. Brilliant film though. Highly recommend you watch it if you haven't. James Stewart is in it - a Hitchcock regular.
As a mystery criminal behavior follower, I enjoyed this story as I hadn't heard it before. The twist is that the offenders were from the same class and neighborhood.
It's sad that one of them was his friend and cousin. It's likely more so since Bobby's cousin and family member killed him, the father suffered immensely.
Family can be more horrid than strangers.
And wasn't one of them Bobby's own cousin he played tennis with!
The twist was kinda obvious tho lmao
I’ve been watching MrBallen since 2020 and it’s crazy how much his channel has grown in just 2 or 3 years
Mr. Ballen is genuinely a likeable dude. Wholesome as hell. One of many reasons why we all love his channel.
It’s so sad that not only did they kill Bobby but all 3 of them could have been someone who could have done great things…just shows how crazy this world can be!! It hits home because I’m from Indiana and have been to Chicago many times so I can’t imagine how awful this must have been for Bobby’s family!! And knowing that one of them was the cousin he was close with!! Ugh
Agreed! From NWI myself and this does hit home since I am like you and spent many times in Chicago. I love Chicago history and this is the first I’m hearing of how bad this was!
Bobby could have... I don't think the other 2 would have... They were arrogant spoiled bastards and thinking they were above the law proves this... They were already down a dark path and nothing would have saved them.
"all three could have done great things" uhh maybe the victim but not the killers. Take your money goggles off.
Wow just wow. How absolutely awful. They way his own cousin had not a second thought to kill Bobby in such a gruesome way is terrifying. That poor kid may he rest in peace.
Have been hearing about Leopold and Loeb for as long as I can remember. Thought it was just 2 smart rich guys who killed someone they didn't know to prove to themselves they could get away with it. Thank you so much for a truly interesting and informative narration. Monsters don't hide in the closet or under the bed, they are the people we pass on the street and don't really notice. So, so sad,
Nothing better than a Mrballen story on a Sunday morning yes it’s morning for me. Also it’s crazy how many mysteries there are in life it’s like there’s endless amount of stories like this which is horrifying.
same
This is real, but for Saturday midnight here.
Almost midnight for me in Australia lol
Yo it’s morning for me to
8AM where I'm at
I have heard about this particular story before. I have seen a documentary about it, but that focused a lot more on the crime itself and the legal aspect of it. So it was refreshing to hear more about the "human aspect" - the family and what they went through.
Another interesting fact about this case: it was also called the crime of the century because it incited a huge debate about the death penalty. The families hired a lawyer who was fundamentally against it and managed to get these kids off death row and lessen their sentence to life in prison. It was also the first time that psychiatrists were hired for an evaluation in court. So, in a way that case paved the way for court battles as we know them today.
Thats interesting facts. Thanks for sharing!
The lawyer was Clarence Darrow
What's the name of the documentary that you watched about this story?
@@carlosnunes929 it was a German documentary on a channel called ZDF Info...I don't remember the name, but it was really fascinating! I hope there's a version with subtitles available.
@@carlosnunes929 ruclips.net/video/2G3bGvQVQ_U/видео.html
There it is! Unfortunately there are no subtitles and they constantly talk over the English parts...^^"
This was the first case study I did in college. Criminology 101. What a great story to tell!
I find this case VERY interesting....
Did you ever see Hitchcock's movie Rope? It was based on a play that was based on this event. It wasn't the killing of Bobby - but more about the idea of thinking you are so above everyone else that you could get away with murder
That's cool😎 I took a ap criminal justice class in highschool .
@@fidgetssailing4725 Yes. It was a good movie.
@@fidgetssailing4725. Fun facts! Thank you 😊.
This story is SO sad on so many different levels. Poor Bobby sounds like an amazing kid and who knows what he could've done with his life. Then you have 2 "men" who also had so much potential to do great things but instead chose the worst possible thing all because they felt they could get away with anything due to their parents success. That's awful to say the least. My heart goes out to Bobby's family.
Oh my gosh! Me being excited that Mr.Ballen loved my comment lol. I honestly didn't expect him to see it cuz I was later. I'm def a huge fan!!!!
Absolutely.. and to know it was his cousin and friend.. poor innocent child
@@Cntrygrl2011 dude... thats a scammer account, take a good look at the name and take more care of yourself.
@@mrwhat5094 I know the first comment is lol. I meant the mrballen "loved" my comment not what that other person actually wrote but ty for giving me a heads up. I appreciate it!
It took until the last 3-4 minutes to recognise this crime. Mr. Ballen did a fantastic job humanising this well known crime. The actual murder as per his narration was incredibly sad & will stay with me for a long time. Thank you.
Mr Ballen! I love listening to you tell stories! I will replay your videos over again if I don’t have new ones to watch! You are like a good friend in the room telling me stories and keeping me company! Love you and what you do ❤
I've heard this story before. According to some tellings, the duo thought they could get away with murder and wanted to test their theory and so they planned this whole scenario out and then committed the crime, just because they felt they could and get away with it. They would today be classified as "narcissists."
I think narcissist is something they may have been prior to this, this is what psychopaths do. Narcissists hurt feelings lie cheat and steal to bend the world to their ends, psychopaths injure and kill people just because they can.
And psychopaths
These are the kind of people that are smart in theory/paper and dumb in practical/real world problems 😅
Ivory tower thinkers, they remind of Democratic politicians
PSYCHOPATHS
Oh my god i remember watching a show on this several years ago called “A Crime to Remember” (very good show highly recommend) and it was the first time I’d heard of the notorious Leopold and Loeb. It’s astounding how egotistical and entitled they felt to play the roles of judge, jury, & executioner. They may have claimed it was a way to demonstrate their “superior intellect,” but the reality is that they were incredibly foolish and brazen in thinking they could _really_ get away with it. What a bunch of monsters…
Much stupider criminals have gotten away with much more. Their peerless arrogance got them caught. They believed that they had an intellectual Midas Touch, where every plan they created would automatically turn into a faultless masterplan. They didn't bother to create any contingencies, because they believed that it was inconceivable that the first draft of their could be anything less than perfect.
MRBALLEN IS THE BEST AND I'M HERE TO shout out a new channel for the in-between time you have every week when you're waiting for a Mrballen drop his name is Mr. E Files, he got inspired from Mrballen and his stories are fire 🔥
@@TheCrimsonS4ge Which in turn made them not as intelligent and superior as they thought they were. Wisdom is realizing you have so much more to learn. They were very foolish.
@@TheCrimsonS4ge If they were so intelligent, they would not put books in a suitcase that was unlocked. They would also scan the area where they put the body to make sure they hadn't left any evidence.
I LOVED that’s show! I wish they’d bring it back!
OMG This is horrible for any mom and dad :( I can't comprehend how someone could ever hurt an innocent kid that can't defend himself!
They were idiot narcissists who wasted not only their own lives, but the life of the 14 year kid by murderering him. Sickening was the fact it was his own cousin. These guys fell into radical evil.
It looks like Mr Ballen is hitting on you, lol.
Clearly a high iq has its limits!
@@kevinmalone3210 that’s not Mr. Ballen, it’s a troll account.
Without common sense…a person is not fully intelligent, period…
Not just a child, but a cousin and supposed friend. Psychopaths, obviously.
I just wanted to say a huge thank you to Mr. Ballen. My rabbit who was older and we knew he wasn't gong to last long with us and it was like end of life, ended up living 10 months with us. He would thump at me if I didn't put your videos on for night time for him to go to bed and would murder every cardboard box around in his way of packing a paddy if it wasn't on in the morning too.
He passed away on Tuesday, and this video was the last one he got to listen to and fall asleep to, leading to his loud snoring on the living room floor. Thank you for bringing him happiness. And me too. ❤
I love that you have always stayed true to you. You’ve become my favorite story teller! A 7 hour drive across the states was made so much less irritating by putting your videos on play all and listening to those. Thank you for your passion in telling these stories!
Being from England , that sounds like a dream to me!
The consistency of this man delivering new interesting vids with INSANE plot twist is amazing
Bobby's own cousin, who was supposed to be one of his best friends, just thought it would be fun to murder him. If that's intelligence, I think I'll stay stupid.
As cousins, that would mean that one of Bobby's parents is directly related to one of Richard's parents. This horrible crime destroyed two branches of the same family. Unthinkable.
That poor little boy and his family. 😢❤
Right. I hope Richard was disowned seeing as he was the one who attacked him
Even intelligent peeps can have horrible traits, like psychopathy, narcissism, antisocial and borderline personality. Intelligence in this murderous sense is like blue eyes, there will be horrible people with it for sure, but not all smart peeps are killers.
@@Murdermagictricks
At the very least.
I believe, at that time, he could've been given the death penalty. For this crime, why wasn't he, I wonder?
@@lynnecamp3268 …..Clarence Darrow left it up to the judge….money talks. The judge said they were so young, they would not hang. Since Loeb was murdered at 30, he really only lived 12 years. His murderer (another ex-con was acquitted of his murder). The life of luxury was long gone.
I believe Bobby’s grandfather and Loeb’s mother were siblings…..something like that.
The irony of them believing themselves above the law and superior to everyone else is incredulous to me as they threw away everything that elevates them in society. I.e wealth and fame
Supreme narcissism
Jews lol
The stories about children being killed etc are always heart breaking I was really hoping this was going to end with Bobby still being alive
Yeah, I was hoping that, too.
how could you really think that, when the title of this video says, "Crime Of The Century" that tells you right there it isn't going to end well.
@@marytramp5678 Sometimes hope is blind. That's just how it goes.
@@marytramp5678 "crime" doesn't mean murder. Easily could've gone the other way.
Spoiler…
That poor father. His only happiness was his child Bobby and not the riches he possessed. And even that happiness was cruelly snatched from him.
Well, he did have other kids. Bobby was apparently his mothers favorite though. That was published at the time. I wonder how that made the other kids feel.
@@WyattRyeSway yes, Jacob Franks did had other kids but the gruesome and untimely death of his younger son left him so devastated that within 4 years of Bobby's death, he passed away too.
@@Kat_12389 ……true and he was an older man if I remember correctly
He had other kids...
@@alexanderdean8682 she already knows that dude, why are u repeating it again?😂
As for Jacob, even if he had other kids ,still no loving parent in the world ever wants to see his own offspring die in such a brutal manner and at such a young age. Having one kid or several kids doesn't matter.
MrBallen, you have been such a positive impact on my life, every week I love to listen to the strange dark and mysterious :)
MRBALLEN IS THE BEST AND I'M HERE TO shout out a new channel for the in-between time you have every week when you're waiting for a Mrballen drop his name is Mr. E Files, he got inspired from Mrballen and his stories are fire 🔥
@Don't Read My Profile Picture stop
One of my favorite things about your videos (besides literally everything), is how you always make sure to remind us of timeframes. You don’t just say, for example, “then on the evening of July 4th 1997….,” you’ll instead say, “then on the evening of July 4th 1997, which is 1 week after she disappeared….” I really like that because I usually forget the date you said and can’t figure out a timeframe in other stories, but you always make sure to remind us and it’s super helpful. It’s like you’re good at this or something 😆
Thanks for all of your videos, they’re truly so entertaining and I can always watch it all go down in my head like I’m watching a movie. That’s how you know you’re a skilled storyteller. Thanks again!
I can barely walk these days, so relaxing and entertainment are crucial to keep me sane. Your videos are so helpful , bless you and all you do ! Mondays , Thursdays and Sundays are always GREAT DAYS
Over 7 million followers is insane and it is such a achievement and you deserve it
Richard's death is truly tragic. He didn't deserve to grow old.
underrated comment
Made me laugh out loud.
I thought the same
Thank you for all your real life stories that honor the lives of victims while educating the public about safety and other things.
I’ve been a fan for a while and I’ve gotten friends and family addicted as well. We now have “Ballen bashes” at each others homes so we watch together. He is a great story teller and I’m so happy that more and more people are watching. Keep those stories coming and thank you!
Thats wholesome
I have studied the Horror genre since the 80s. I am fascinated by this transition back to oral storytelling, particularly in horror.
I think the intimacy that happens when you tell a story live is especially suited for this genre.
You are experiencing that fear and catharsis with someone. In this case, you get the feeling the guy could actually save your life if needed!
The truth is that for our mental health storytellers do save our sanity.
MRBALLEN IS THE BEST AND I'M HERE TO shout out a new channel for the in-between time you have every week when you're waiting for a Mrballen drop his name is Mr. E Files, he got inspired from Mrballen and his stories are fire 🔥
It's not so much sanity as it keeps us all in the same reality. It's a way to keep community together. Like music storytelling is about unity and happiness, even when it's scary. Lol
@@kokomo74149 that's honestly why it probably IS sanity
@@kokomo74149 torally agree 👍🏽
Aside: There's been no "transition". Oral storytelling has always been a tradition. It's never left. I'm glad you're discovering and enjoying it.
Hope you don't take this the wrong way but for over 6 months now your videos have helped me fall asleep. The way you tell the stories ans your voice is relaxing for me, like a bedtime story and as someone who's struggled with insomnia for most of my life this is truly a blessing.
Thank you so much for making these videos ❤️
Same here, I have to rewatch of I watch at night!
This is the best telling of the Leopold & Lobe I've heard. You focused much more on the victim & his family & less on the entitled evil killer.
MrBallen is the best storyteller I've ever heard. Thank you for what you do.
Poor little Bobby 😢 glad the evil murderers were caught! Thank you for the video.
Easter and MrBallen BEST SUNDAY EVER!!!! Happy Easter MrBallen and to everyone watching
I totally agree! Mr. Ballon is the best story teller that I have found. I love the stories he researches that gives his stories the extra that others don't. Good job Mr. Ballon... keep the stories coming.
A case that has fascinated me for years. I've read and watched tons of stuff about this case, so I knew what it was from the beginning. However, the way you told it from the angle of Bobby Franks' parents gave it a whole new slant. I knew you'd do something different with it, and I was right. Well done!!
I first heard about this story when I was a teenager, I was fascinated. It also made me, somewhat irrationally, suspicious of those who have inherited wealth. More importantly it made me want to study psychology. Thank you for the details.
I don't know if you know this but the rich get away with almost all crime so that is literally not in an irrational fear
Rest in peace, Bobbie . These guys were cowards they were both rich kids who thought they were invincible and couldn't get caught. Well they weren't that clever because if one of the killers hadn't had dropped his glasses by Bobby's body they both would never have got caught . In some mad kind of way Bobbie got justice beyond the grave.😊 happy Easter Mr ballen and everyone .
That's the way it works!! Karma came and bit them in the a_s! 😂
Yeah they were also psychopaths with little to no emotional intelligence.
@joeyblogsy your right
Justice means nothing when you're dead. It's only good for those who are survivors. Nothing will bring that poor boy back, and his parents probably got little to no satisfaction from justice being served. It's the general public who is satisfied with justice, and that's why it's so important that NO ONE is above the law.
How did the wealthy parents of these two boys who killed Bobby Fisher react to the crimes of their sons?
So sad that they did this to Bobby. I'm glad they got caught and were incarcerated. Why do people murder people? It's such a cowardice thing to do. Thank You for the video Mr. Ballen.
Dunno why they killed Bobby, but both of tnem were Jewish. Food for thought.
@@TheBayzent I've met many murderers through my job. Of those who claimed to be religious, most were Catholics. Food for thought? Of course not. You can't judge a whole group of people from the actions of a few nutters.
@@TheBayzentracist comment
This has always been one of the most sickening murder stories to me. I'm not sure why, I've read about a lot more horrific crimes, but this simply always strikes hard. Mr. Ballen's retelling is just that brilliant, even if you know what is going to happen.
Your ability to story tell is insane.. hundreds of videos and I'm always on the edge of my seat every single story you tell!
He talks with his hands as well as his mouth
Not all his stories are real events
Some are fictional
Nothing greater than waking up to the Strange, Dark, and Mysterious delivered in story format at 8 am in the morning 😊
MRBALLEN IS THE BEST AND I'M HERE TO shout out a new channel for the in-between time you have every week when you're waiting for a Mrballen drop his name is Mr. E Files, he got inspired from Mrballen and his stories are fire 🔥
Actually, Richard Loeb was murdered in prison and Leopold was eventually released. Hal Higdon wrote the definitive book on them: Leopold and Loeb: Crime of the Century. Clarence Darrow was their defense attorney which is how they avoided the death penalty.
Classism will always exist. If you can afford expensive liars (lawyers) you'll like get off
@@moonspun4evr Best justice money can buy.
@@archangel1527
Not for the victims
You truly have a gift telling stories. I can honestly say if I were to ever die in a strange dark or mysterious way you sir are the one I'd want to tell my story. Thank you for your service and Happy Easter!
Crazy how they were just friends but we’re almost identical to each other in appearance. When I first clicked on the video I thought it was gonna be about to rich & genius brothers turned killers …. Fooled me. Thanks for always making these cases about the victims & not just the killers as most people do. It really speaks to your character & how important it is for you to tell the victims story & to not focus to much on the perpetrators beside a little back & the crime accused and/or charged with. We all appreciate Ballen 👌🏽💯
they weren't just friends actually, they were in a relationship, which is partly why people focus so much on the killers in this crime as opposed to Bobby and his family.
There is so much privilege in this story, even down to its title. Nice to hear you tell it!
What lol?
I would say there was a lot of arrogance rather than privilege with the two killers! They were charged and served a life sentences for there crimes!
Thank you so much John for entertaining us so professionally with your true stories. You are a top bloke!
I would imagine many murderers think they are above everyone else in this world. Most are narcissistic.
I always enjoy your story telling. You have a back for it.
Nope, most are just dumb, opportunistic, and impulsive. Only the ones that hold much enduring interest are like this.
The way Mr ballen tells his stories is very exciting in a way of letting us the viewers visualize like we are in the story ,what an experience.
@Don't Read My Profile Picture q
MRBALLEN IS THE BEST AND I'M HERE TO shout out a new channel for the in-between time you have every week when you're waiting for a Mrballen drop his name is Mr. E Files, he got inspired from Mrballen and his stories are fire 🔥
Actually his videos now really suck. If you want to REALLY feel like that, watch his videos from a year ago or longer
@@redditaddicts2858 naa bro ,that's cap,it's getting better and better each week
@@azizabdulai9989 I’ve been watching Mr ballen for over 3 years now and his old ones are way better just watch them and you’ll see. They got so bad once he stopped posting “3,4, or even 5 times a week” and stopped doing the series’
This gives the quote "It either takes a super genius, or a real idiot, it's a good thing we have both" whole new meaning.
I love how casual you are. Enjoy listening to you.
I always feel like im in a history class listening to these stories, Not only are they so interesting but, the fact that its REAL LIFE EVENTS and just so detailed with pictures to back it up, we need teachers like this...Detail oriented and giving us the feels and chills with the stories of history. I mean, I will never stray away from this page. Also, it's so eye-opening to how niave alot of us are when I hear people say "oh it wasn't this crazy back in the day." ummmm, yes, young grasshopper, it was...lol
I completely agree. He could read me the phone book, and I would be enthralled. I’ve watched each video multiple times, and I’m so happy when Sunday rolls around.
Go far enough back, and they make modern criminals look sissified, humans are brutal.
Yep, we just know about them more now with the news, web etc.
Yep, humans and murder appear in the world almost simultaneously. We’re bad like that.
Studying history is more than just storytelling. Storytelling is for entertainment; the goal of studying history is to support students in exercising historical thinking skills, which requires active engagement with content beyond passively listening to stories. Good history teachers make their students, not their own voices, the focus of lessons.
When you said Mom was on the ground lifeless, I thought Bobby killed his Mom! Wow, I love how you can do that! I can never tell where you're going, even on the occasions I've already heard the story. Great storytelling!
I thought the very same thing!
Hiingtyuokn
Happy Easter everyone! 🐣🐰
Thank you Mr. Ballen for all the great stories you tell us. Hearing Mr. Ballen’s special way of storytelling about intriguing stories just makes the day better :)
Happy Easter
I feel like calling that the "crime of the century" was giving them more attention than they deserved.
Well, to be fair, the century was only about 24 years in at that point.
I was looking for this comment. Cause I was thinking the same.
There’s nothing like a mr ballen story to put a kick into your Sunday, thanks John you’ve given us so much in these last few years would like to thank you and credit you for all the time and effort you put into these stories
MRBALLEN IS THE BEST AND I'M HERE TO shout out a new channel for the in-between time you have every week when you're waiting for a Mrballen drop his name is Mr. E Files, he got inspired from Mrballen and his stories are fire 🔥
Its been a real trip here watching Johns channel grow from 15k followers to the current 7million plus. After viewing his first few videos i knew he was going to blow up on here. Enthralling is the only word i can use to accurately describe his content. Its amusing to think of new fans finding his page and having all of those old videos to watch back to back. Well over 100 hours of content. Trust me, it goes quickly. He only had about 17 videos when i first found his channel so i was not lucky enough to have the opportunity to binge watch them. But i was out of the country for a couple years without internet access and when i came back to America i had about 50 videos to watch and noticed his channel exploded on RUclips. Congrats John. Youve built one hell of a special thing here. I hope you continue providing us such amazing content for years to come. Not going to lie, i was struggling with some things for awhile and dealing with tragedy and your videos were able to take me out of that hell in my mind and they gave me the opportunity to have an adventure. Many thanks to you for everything youve done for the world my man.
Mr ballen is one of the rare RUclipsrs you can trust for real stories
Well he used to be. Unfortunately his "a forest so evil its illegal to enter" story is not a true story and the title is a straight up lie: it's illegal to enter because it's private property and people kept littering and destroying property out there so the owner said no more visitors. I was extremely disappointed in him for the way that topic was handled.
@@ToastUrbath Mr B stated WHY it was illegal in the video. So you’re wrong.
I love how MrBallen is able to tell stories and uses his hands to submerge u into his story
MrBallen's commentary is spectacular, always a vibe to listen to his great stories
Most definitely the G.O.A.T.
MRBALLEN IS THE BEST AND I'M HERE TO shout out a new channel for the in-between time you have every week when you're waiting for a Mrballen drop his name is Mr. E Files, he got inspired from Mrballen and his stories are fire 🔥
💯
Oh my gosh, this story - like most crime videos on this channel - is heartbreaking. I don't talk to my cousins, we drifted a part when my family moved out of state, but I still can't even see a day where I would look at any of them and go "oh what an easy target." I used to be SO close with my eldest female cousin, we were really like bffs as kids. I don't know how Bobby's best friend cousin could even toy with the idea of murder. Wouldn't he have felt sad before the act about your bff not being around anymore?
My cousin(female) and I grew up like brother and sister in the same neighborhood. We are both an only child and 6 months apart in age. She got mad and threw a knife at me once, but I never once thought about killing her.
They were clearly narcissists. And people like that does not function at all when it comes to feelings and/or emotions. Everything is about them, nothing else.
No better way to celebrate Easter, than a good Mr. Ballen episode :)
MRBALLEN IS THE BEST AND I'M HERE TO shout out a new channel for the in-between time you have every week when you're waiting for a Mrballen drop his name is Mr. E Files, he got inspired from Mrballen and his stories are fire 🔥
Idk I'd say going to church and worshipping our one true God is a slightly better option
@@clark2491 I agree! My comment had a layer of sarcasm with it. :) HE IS RISEN!
Celebrating Easter by listening to a story about a child getting murdered? I’d say there are alot better ways to celebrate Easter. Christ is risen, but you celebrate a child getting murdered.
@@clark2491 is Christ god ?
Mr.Ballen don't be playing when it comes to the back ground's frfr 💯
I can just imagine how Nathan tried to convince other inmates of his ubermensch superiority, and got shanked.
That's just about the way it happened.
Satisfying to imagine. They both deserved as much.
I had heard this story a long time ago but had forgotten it. So horrific and disturbing. It show how being rich and living in a fancy neighborhood doesn’t keep you safe. It also shows it can be difficult to recognize that someone you know could be a monster. Such a sad story, but very well told by you!
I saw a documentary on this a few years back, but it is ALWAYS interesting to hear Mr. Ballen's takes.
I got hooked on this channel from the first 30 seconds that I watched my first video and now it’s like I’m addicted to hearing a new story weekly. Thank you MrBallen for these stories keep on doing what you’re doing👍🏿
You have such a great way of telling stories that even if it's a bigger case or something I have heard of before, I am still enthralled the entire time! Thank you for all your content and your amazing retellings of the strange, dark, and mysterious!
Mrballen I follow your videos since the very beginning and I am still thrilled for every new work you put out. I know how much effort you put in making your videos so I think you absolutely deserve every blessing that RUclips has granted you and your family
MRBALLEN IS THE BEST storyteller AND I'M HERE TO shout out a new channel for the in-between time you have every week when you're waiting for a Mrballen drop his name is Mr. E Files, he got inspired from Mrballen and his stories are fire 🔥
You're amazing Mr.Ballen. thank you for your story telling, idk what I'd watch at lunch time without you!
MRBALLEN IS THE BEST storyteller AND I'M HERE TO shout out a new channel for the in-between time you have every week when you're waiting for a Mrballen drop his name is Mr. E Files, he got inspired from Mrballen and his stories are fire 🔥
This is what a Professional Storyteller looks like. My condolences to the victim and thier family 🙏
Excellent telling of this famous story! Many of your fans may not know that Alfred Hitchcock’s famous 1948 movie, ‘ROPE’ (with James Stewart), was based on this case. Different characters, different place, but the story itself is the same. I highly recommend it. (Do you know it Mr B?)
As always I needed this video this week, a welcome current life distraction! Thank you so much for your consistency, I know I am not the only one who deeply looks forward to these captivating stories!
MRBALLEN IS THE BEST storyteller AND I'M HERE TO shout out a new channel for the in-between time you have every week when you're waiting for a Mrballen drop his name is Mr. E Files, he got inspired from Mrballen and his stories are fire 🔥
This guy is always my go for for crime stories videos his energy is just so crisp ❤️🔥
I love the storytelling. Thank you for this channel. Eventhough, you tell these weird stories, i do appreciate the presentation in the story.