About two months after the kidnapping, on May 12, 1932, the baby's corpse was found about 4 1/2 miles from the Lindbergh's home, badly decomposed and partially buried. Investigators later determined that the baby was killed the night of the kidnapping by a blow to the head.
William Allen, man who found corpse, taken 1932-1935. Library of Congress
Where corpse of Lindbergh Baby was found. March 13, 1932. The New York Times
Anne Morrow Lindbergh, May 12, 1932
Media gather at the wooded site where the body was found. AP Photo. Press of Atlantic City
Newsmen and spectators point at the site the body was found. AP Photo. Press of Atlantic City
Overnight, the motive of the case changed from trying to safely recover the child, to a murder investigation. Lindbergh began relinquishing his control over the investigation.
May 13, 1932. The New York Times
May 13, 1932. The New York Times
Belleville Daily News-Democrat. May 13, 1932
"Make the kidnapping and murder of the Lindbergh baby a live and never-to-be-forgotten case, never to be relaxed until those criminals are implacably brought to justice."
-President Herbert Hoover, ordering agents regarding the Lindbergh case, 1932
Grief
Anne Lindbergh in her Diary. May 13, 1932
Anne Lindbergh with Charles Jr., Next Day Hill. 1931. Hour of Gold, Hour of Lead