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The Unfortunate Son: Constance Leeds and the Tragedy that Rocked Victorian America

Donald Ward

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A Black And White Photograph Of Constance Leeds, A Young Woman With Long Hair And A Determined Expression. The Unfortunate Son Constance Leeds

On the evening of October 22, 1895, Constance Leeds, the 19-year-old daughter of a wealthy Philadelphia family, was kidnapped from her home. Her body was found two days later in a vacant lot, bearing the marks of a brutal rape and murder.

The Unfortunate Son

by Constance Leeds

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
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The case shocked the nation and led to a series of trials that exposed the dark underbelly of Gilded Age America. The accused killer, William Henry Herbert, was a drifter with a long history of violence and mental illness.

Herbert's trial was a media circus, with newspapers across the country reporting on the gruesome details of the crime. The jury found Herbert guilty of murder and sentenced him to death. However, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court overturned his conviction on appeal, ruling that the trial judge had erred in admitting certain evidence.

Herbert was retried and again found guilty of murder. This time, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court upheld the conviction. Herbert was executed in 1898.

The Constance Leeds case was a tragedy that left an enduring mark on American society. It exposed the dangers that young women faced in the late 19th century, and it highlighted the need for reform in the criminal justice system.

The Early Life of Constance Leeds

Constance Leeds was born in Philadelphia on February 14, 1876. Her father, George W. Leeds, was a successful businessman, and her mother, Mary, was a devout Christian. Constance had two older brothers, George Jr. and William.

Constance was a bright and outgoing child. She excelled in her studies and was a talented musician. She was also a devout Christian, and she taught Sunday school at her local church.

In 1894, Constance graduated from high school and enrolled at the University of Pennsylvania. She planned to become a teacher.

The Kidnapping

On the evening of October 22, 1895, Constance was home alone studying for her exams. At around 8:00 p.m., she heard a noise at the front door. She opened the door, and a man forced his way inside.

The man, later identified as William Henry Herbert, held a gun to Constance's head and ordered her to come with him. Constance begged for mercy, but Herbert ignored her pleas.

Herbert took Constance to a vacant lot near her home. He then raped and murdered her.

The Investigation

The next morning, Constance's family reported her missing. The police launched a massive search for the missing girl.

Two days later, Constance's body was found in the vacant lot. The police quickly arrested Herbert, who was seen fleeing the scene of the crime.

The Trial

Herbert's trial began in January 1896. The prosecution presented a strong case against him. Herbert's fingerprints were found on the gun that was used to kill Constance.

The defense presented evidence that Herbert was insane. However, the jury did not believe this defense, and Herbert was found guilty of murder.

The Pennsylvania Supreme Court overturned Herbert's conviction on appeal, ruling that the trial judge had erred in admitting certain evidence.

Herbert was retried and again found guilty of murder. This time, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court upheld the conviction.

The Execution

Herbert was executed on July 22, 1898. He was 23 years old.

The Legacy of Constance Leeds

The case also led to the creation of the Constance Leeds Relief Association, which provided support to victims of crime.

Constance Leeds is remembered today as a symbol of the innocence and vulnerability of young women. Her story is a reminder that we must never take our safety for granted.

The Unfortunate Son

by Constance Leeds

4.3 out of 5