In a shocking display of journalistic chaos, the Associated Press broadcast a false verdict in the Hauptmann trial, sending shockwaves across the nation. On the night of February 13, 1935, just 14 minutes before the correct verdict was announced, the AP sent out a bulletin claiming that the jury had found Bruno Richard Hauptmann guilty with a mandatory life sentence. The erroneous report was picked up by radio stations nationwide, including the National Broadcasting Co. and the Columbia Broadcasting System, and was even printed in extra editions of newspapers that hit the streets before the error was corrected.
Related Federal Cases
Key Facts
- State: National
- Category: Violent Crime
- Era: Historical
- Source: Library of Congress — Chronicling America ↗
📬 Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
Browse More
