The Evil & Tragic Case of 6-year-old Bobby Greenlease Jr.

Bobby Greenlease Jr. was the six-year-old son of a wealthy Kansas City auto dealer who was kidnapped from his Catholic school on Sept. 28, 1953. The kidnapping was pulled off by two losers who took his life and pretended as though he were alive to extort a ransom of $600,000.
Carl Hall and Bonnie Heady ended up losing their own lives for what they did to an innocent child. Jeff will tell you about it on this episode of History Hunters.
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[@stargater2892]

Jeff, this episode personifies the need for history to be retold. Your commentary, that I agree with wholeheartedly, simplifies the breakdown in the US judicial system perfectly. May the Greenlease Family rest in peace. They will never be forgotten.

[@nhdenver7883]

Such a sad and tragic story. You did a good job covering it and you were very respectful. I 100% agree with your comments at the end as well.

[@jbenziggy]

Thank you.

[@privatepilot4064]

You’re absolutely right Jeff. Even the death penalty was too good for these worthless monsters. That poor little boy had no chance at life. Great coverage of a story that needed to be remembered.

[@jbenziggy]

I fear something like this happening again in a lax moment at a school.

[@privatepilot4064]

The Bath, MI school bombing incident of 1927 remains the most devastating school tragedy in American history but you don’t hear much about it because it didn’t involve guns.

[@ralphpatrick3071]

I agree! Justice should be swift.

[@TOPTENTRAVEL01]

Too many sick, evil people, willing to go to any lengths for an easy windfall. A fitting end for these two.

[@julesgaudet2814]

I was 6 years old when this happened. I remember thinking how it could have been me and feeling very insecure being so young. I never forgot what happened. Something like this you never forget. Very sad story, but justice was swift.

[@swansfan6944]

I remember this case since I first heard of it, because not only is it evil but we had a very similar case here. In 1960 in Sydney, Australia 🇦🇺 8 yr old Graeme Thorne was abducted and murdered for ransom. His killer knew that little Graeme’s parents had won money💰in the lottery. RIP Bobby and Graeme. Thanks Jeff. ❤️Jodie 🇦🇺

[@Bowen124]

I agree with you about our justice system being far to lenient, I believe in the death penalty for these horrific crimes of murder.

[@martindriver6026]

What a sad episode. I bet it was hard to do this one. Bobby Greenlease his name. Shouldn't be forgotten. Did not have a chance to grow up. And I agree with the swift Justice that took place of those two cowards. Needs to be implemented back in today's society. Thank you for bringing it to my attention.

[@imanutnur7]

I totally agree with you in the fact that we hear every day that people are not being held responsible for crimes they commit. It seems that many in our society believe in making excuses for them. Today they would be languishing in prison for decades

[@jbenziggy]

Yeah and when they get to be senior citizens in prison, it's "Oh, they're old now, they have done their time. Let them go."

[@jacquelinebloom4339]

Thank you for your respectful and compassionate telling of this horrendous crime.

[@donnawoepke8861]

This happened several years before I was born but I remember this story so well. The one thing I don't remember is the missing ransom money. Coral Courts was demolished many years ago. Another great story. You can tour the prison in Jefferson City and see the gas chamber where they were executed.

[@richardsmith4187]

Jeff Thank you for uncovering this very important event which shocked many when it happened. And as you say these type of incidents happen today and there is no justice for the victims. We need to change in this country and make people pay for crimes and if that means LIFE in prison then so be it and if it's death then they should be put to death without staying on death row forever. I hope you continue to track down and investigate these stories as you bring them to life with your excellent narration. Thank you Jeff and Sarah for your hard work and dedication. Just a side note my younger brother was born on Sept. 28th 1953.

[@Edward-xw8rj]

When you opened the door to the Abbey, there is a crypt on the right hand side for Earl, L Swope, born 1872 and died in 1936. A Thomas Swope the patriarch of a family was one of the wealthiest individuals in Kansas City at the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th. Thomas died as a result of bleeding, a medical procedure, by a malicious doctor. Other members of Thomas’s household came down with mysterious illnesses. I don’t know if Earl L Swope is connected to Thomas Swope and his family. The KZbin channel They got away with Murder has an in-depth video on the incidences.

[@liberalliar9216]

I turned on my computer today and was hoping there would be something interesting and lo and behold, there you were! Thanks, this was sad but very entertaining.

[@Sleeperdude]

It’s sad there are people that terrible in the world

[@johnhalley974]

A really grim tale Jeff but one that needs telling…I’m glad you have made me aware of what happened to that poor young boy.

[@jbenziggy]

Thanks for watching. And yes, it's hard to hear what they did to this beautiful young child.

[@susancarden749]

Such a sad story of little Robert, who did not deserve what happened to him, a young life cut short, by two deranged greedy killers. RIP sweetheart 🙏🙏🙏. Thanks Jeff for bringing his story to our attention.

[@johanconradie2120]

if nothing else . THE END is coming due to LACK OF MAINTENANCE of cities and countries!!!

[@petpilgrimgoose]

Excellent job, Jeff. We agree with you completely.

[@brianscharsch9767]

I agree ! You know in Our home state of California is turning into socialism with little justice for victims! Nice job on your vlog🙏

[@bettyfourman5438]

So sad. Today it would not be so easy to take a child from school. Lessons learned. You just have to hope some nut doesn't shoot them in the classroom.

[@dsinavich5141]

Hi. A very sad and interesting story . RIP to the Greenlease family . Thanks for vlogging this story. Take care . Deborah 🇨🇦

[@normahird9059]

What a sad story. Your presentation was.done with much class and compassion. Thank you for your ending comments.

[@reginamay2767]

Hi jeff, So sad to say the least this little boy was taken much to soon by the evilness. and you are so right america has become to soft and needs to get much harder because this type of thing still goes on. thankyou for the hard researching of this tragic loss. I enjoyed but made me sad and I know it made you sad to. much love take care. god bless.

[@oldermusiclover]

the year I was born so sad for his family TOTALLY AGREE ABOUT THE JUSTICE. NOW I KNOW WHY SCHOOLS ARE SO MINDFUL ABOUT WHO CAN CHECK OUT A CHILD

[@robertc.delmedico6242]

Well told sir!! Thank you. I agree justice should be swift!!

[@Blatsen]

I agree with your commentary about the losers who committed this crime. I also agree that criminals, even brutally dangerous and violent criminals, are far too often given way too lenient sentences and that the trial and appeals process takes too long. Anyone who supports giving violent criminals lenient sentences is part of the problem. The fact that Carl Hall left Bonnie Heady shows that he was such a bad person he wasn’t even loyal to his own accomplice. It’s sad that opportunistic people sometimes latch onto the crimes of others like how the corrupt police officers stole some of the confiscated ransom money. Here in Illinois, former Governor George Ryan unfortunately ended the death penalty on Monday, January 31, 2000, but it wasn’t officially abolished in Illinois until July 1, 2011. Ryan was concerned that innocent people sometimes are mistakenly put on death row, but he stopped the death penalty for even cases where there was no doubt as to the guilt of the accused. There are some Illinois county prosecutors who still believe in the death penalty and will seek federal charges when possible for criminals who warrant the death penalty as the death penalty is still available at the federal level.

[@bassplayersrule1986]

This kind of swift justice needs to take place today. It's ridiculous when someone outlives the victim of their crime and they spend 30, 40 to 50 years in prison and possibly die in prison without facing the death penalty.

[@jimmccord487]

Excellent presentation of a horrible crime committed by two souless,evil criminals.

[@jimeaton805]

Thank you. I agree that justice needs to be much swifter, but I believe that our Lord is the ultimate judge so that the faster criminals can face God. It's better for all concerned

[@georgemccoy219]

Jeff, so many of your viewers have expressed the same sentiments that I have after seeing this episode of History Hunters. This sad story needs to be retold so the next generation does not forget. I agree with your commentary 100 percent. I know this was a hard story to research and produce but I'm glad you did. We are witnessing the downfall of our great country due to a misguided legal system. We need to wake up and change course.

[@jbenziggy]

I would agree with you. What we see going on as time goes on is very concerning. The Bible speaks of godlessness that would be coming to the world and I think we’re starting to see it unfold.

[@georgemccoy219]

@@jbenziggy Agree 100%! I remarked to my wife recently that I feel we are in Biblical times.

[@ourlifeinwyoming4654]

Never knew about this case. Horrible. What makes people so evil?

[@jbenziggy]

Wish I knew! Such a horrible thing to do to an innocent child!

[@lindsaymacpherson8782]

Very sad bit of history. But thankyou for the bonus video as it was eye opening but still very very sad

[@RedProg]

Thank you

[@frankmarullo228]

Its SICK , SICK , SICK , how people put money over everything else . its like they pray to the almighty dollar !! Not God . today is Thursday hope you will put out a video on Sunday.. THANK YOU FRANK FROM MONTANA.......

[@jbenziggy]

Yes, we will have one on Sunday as well. Thanks!

[@MXP90DL]

Agree with you. Swift justice was what was needed.

[@Dick_Shinn]

I was 8 years old at the time, living in rural Iowa about 80 miles east of Sioux City, Iowa. I clearly remember the newspaper and radio coverage of this kidnapping (we didn't have TV at the time).

[@jbenziggy]

Such a very sick story to have to follow. Thanks for sharing how it impacted you/

[@natekrieger5741]

I heard this story on the TV Series Ghost Asylum!! So sad

[@mikeseier4449]

Terrible. Monsters walk amongst us.. Got to say though; It was strange and creepy to see his sister smiling broadly at his funeral??

[@don-e4838]

Crimes against children should be a death sentence.

[@Porsche996driver]

Consequences have been softened?! Life in a Supermax is soft?! Anyone who hurt a kid does not last long in prison.

[@supersalkamsul]

they are bandits everyone is afraid of them

[@supersalkamsul]

and they kidnapped a businessman's child like all criminals

[@randomvintagefilm273]

Too bad justice isnt as swift these days for murderers!

[@marylouruss1087]

Thanks much for the lesson. Very sad story.Lots of mean folks in this world.

[@CarlosHerrera-oh9ec]

Tragic.. thanks for sharing.

[@runaremblem2221]

Great video;;but sad story 😢😪

[@loumartell7687]

That is terrible! Search cruelty and meanness! Thanks Jeff and Sarah your number one fan Lou Martell

[@jbenziggy]

You are correct in that it was a very cruel and heartless, and very selfish action, but it sure sent a message when both of them went to the gas chamber. Thanks for being our number one fan. Lol.

[@msoden4920]

Thank you for covering this story Jeff. Having grown up in Overland Park, just about a half mile from where the tradgedy occurred, this was a story I heard my parents, aunts and uncles discuss on occasion.

[@jbenziggy]

Thank you for the comment. Would you happen to know if the location of the murder is known to locals? Or is it a place that maybe has been developed in covered over? I couldn’t find any specific location information.

[@msoden4920]

@@jbenziggy Jeff, it is under a subdivision since the early 60s. I know if I owned the house that is on the land it would be unsettling. If you Google 95th and Metcalf 66212, it is south and west of the intersection roughly a half mile or so from my understanding.

[@jaejae2679]

I live in Kansas City and never heard of this tragedy and now I feel bad I don't know alot about the history of this place so thanks for sharing this amazing work

[@jbenziggy]

You are very welcome! Thank you!

[@redwhiteblue7831]

SMH We definitely need swift justice for this kind of evil.

[@j1st633]

One of your best.

[@alanatolstad4824]

I almost didn't want to tune in, but you have a way of reaching to my core, and I thank you for that.

[@jbenziggy]

Well thanks for giving me a chance. Sad story, I know. Hard to fathom the depravity!

[@Ryan-dq1xv]

Great video

[@jbenziggy]

Thanks!

[@melindagordonbeck8958]

We were also saddened and angered. My husband always struggled with the death of a child as a police officer in Lemoore. Do you remember little Maria Piceno who went missing from Lemoore in 1995? It was horrific. The town was terrified. I took my kids to school and picked them up every day. Thanks for all you do Jeff! Your biggest Tennessee (formerly California) fans.

[@jbenziggy]

We are so grateful to have great fans like you in Tennessee. I don’t remember that case you mentioned, but there was another case of a little girl named Sandra from the community of Chowchilla, who was beaten to death by her mother, who stood charges for murder. I plan to do that story sometime, but it’s a very hard thing to revisit. Believe it or not her last name was Schindler.

[@melindagordonbeck8958]

@@jbenziggy oh how sad… her own mother! The child I mentioned was kidnapped by a sailor from NAS Lemoore😞he strangled her.

[@juliogonzales5441]

SAD STORY 😔

[@johnwayne5289]

enjoyed

[@caroleroseburgh1344]

WOW ✝️💜

[@theodoredugranrut8201]

Thanks Jeff, the punishment did fit the crime ,cowards the lowest of the low. Central California watching

[@Xpyburnt_ndz]

A "bonus" HH vid this week!!! TOTALLY agree with you Jeff in the wish for swift justice as was served up to these maggots! Gr8 but sad vid! ~ Chris

[@jonmeek3879]

Jeff I agree 100 % with you !, and 2 crooked cops involved too. Horrible story and thank you for sharing it.

[@skimmer8774]

Jeff I agree 100% about needing swifter justice being carried out after sentencing. And there are way to many plea deals.

[@LizzyTexBorden]

Rest in Peace little Bobby Greenlease Jr. Executed side by side... fitting.

[@jackbaumun1605]

As though Bobby Frank's was a harbinger of tragedies to come . The little Greenlease child's murder is also deeply troubling . I was born in 1953 . Agree completely with your final thoughts. John 5:28 We'll all have something to rejoice over .

[@rbsmith3365]

I’ve never heard of this tragedy history. I remembered Kansas City Country Club Plaza and you have mentioned Overland Park, Kansas that affluent city didn’t founded until 1963 and long ago, I have worked there too.

[@48musicfan]

Like you said, punishment should be carried out much quicker now days. Sadly, too many evil people are still wasting oxygen, today!

[@robertcassey4014]

How awful… I only wish that kind of justice could’ve been served to Darius Sessoms.

[@BarbaraSalisbury-st7bu]

How sad! I had never heard of this case before. Thank you for bringing it to the forefront and for telling of the justice that was brought on these 2 cowards. I agree with you wholeheartedly about the justice system today - it is completely upside-down. Commit a crime you get rewarded today. if you're a victim - YOU did sometihing to deserve it. Completely wrong!

[@kirkmacarthur8003]

The only consolation from this touching episode of History Hunters is that the murderers met justice only a few months later. The killer had no sense; he didn't NEED to kill Bobby in order to get the money, and then he had no clue how to handle a large amount of cash. He could have returned little Bobby unharmed, then lived another 40 years in luxury. Stupid as well as evil; likely burning in Hell at this very moment. Hopefully, many sick, evil, stupid criminals of the 1950s decided NOT to follow in the footsteps of these horrific killers, thanks to justice valuing the life of a beautiful, innocent little boy. May light perpetual shine upon him.

[@gregboyden564]

a sad story, but I am glad you told it. Its a reminder that evil people exist. The kidnappers got swift justice back then. We should bring this back. Thanks Jeff

[@bedazzled64]

It's terribly sad that our justice system has gone so downhill. Justice was swift back then, as it still should be today. Especially now more than ever since we have DNA to convict. It's just so pathetic.

[@SMcCaskill]

He was murdered less than two months before I was born. 😥 So glad the justice was swift for his killers. A precious innocent life stolen because of two greedy people.

[@edwardaustin740]

Thanks for an episode during the week. Such a sad case. I agree.. Swift justice more often.

[@kirkmacarthur8003]

If I did the math right, Mr. Greenlease. Sr. was 65 when his son was born. To wait a lifetime for a son, only to have him tortured and murdered; so tragic.

[@t.s.butler191]

sometimes the death penalty had/has a place in "found guilty" cases involving children...though death be given, it should never be taken

[@billgrandone3552]

I was only four years old when the kidnapping occured and I had just returned to my parents home after living with my grandmother while my mother was in a mental hospital for depression and bi-polar symptoms. We lived in South Central Illinois just an hour from St. Louis Mo. when this happened and of course it was all over the media. My mother, already separated from me for nearly three years, was convinced that I would also be kidnapped and would not allow me out of the house until the perps were caught. And even then it took my father to convince her that i would not leave the boundaries of the block we lived on, under punishment of death.. And I didn't until I started school.

[@jeffhensley9988]

I have no doubt that even though the killers swift death was indeed "swift", they are even now being tormented for "all" eternity in Hell. It breaks my heart just imagining how that dear child fought for his life, but we can all take comfort knowing that he now rests in the arms of Jesus, for "all" eternity. Thank you Jesus, for what you did for all of us. Blessed be his name.

[@luskimo1]

as a retired police officer(Little Rock,Arkansas)the horror of what humans can do to another has amazed me thru the years and the sympathy for a victim's family stays with one even in retirement..if you ever come to Little Rock check the history of the Markle murders...the suspect's mother was a famous Hollywood actress...he commited the murders to hide embezzlement of his mothers and others investment accounts

[@Marybgreat]

I agree with all the comments about our judicial system. How far we have fallen.

[@robbiebankens610]

Horrific! It’s unfathomable how evil humanity can be towards another. And irrespective of who the innocent victim is, when it’s an innocent, helpless child it reaches an even deeper level of depravity in my mind. I agree with you 100% about the need for swift justice that fits the crime. I believe that we need to once again return to the swift justice that was delivered in this case. When someone is guilty without any shadow of a doubt of these deadly crimes, they should be delivered up for their punishment without delay. In far too many instances today criminals don’t even fear receiving a death sentence because they know that in certain states it is a sentence in name only and will never actually be carried out. In others they know they’ll likely have decades to manipulate the judicial system and have their sentence delayed and possibly even overturned. The punishment needs to get back to being swift and harsh for those who choose to callously and brutally take the lives of others. Thank you as always for History Hunting and bringing these stories both good and bad to us to remember. God bless you my friend.

[@dano8203]

Very well spoken Jeff. I couldn’t have said it better. If there had been honor among thieves they may have gotten away with it. The conviction & penalty only happened because of the stupidity of the man who’s name doesn’t deserve to be repeated.

[@terryeustice5399]

I agree Jeff. Punishment is not swift any longer. And can drag on for decades. 💯👊👍

[@lavettamoff7883]

I agree,Jeff.Justice should be this swift today.

[@dianejohnson7235]

That is just horrifying!! It just sent chills up my spine!!!

[@WhispersFromTheDark]

Rest in peace little Bobby, you are not forgotten. Now you are united again with your Parents and in the protection of Jesus.

[@stflaw]

Eighty-one days from crime to execution. Well done.

[@marlenepearson3936]

I have heard of this case. So very sad and tragic 😥 Yes! Justice was served in this case. May this family be resting in peace. 🙏

[@HollywoodGraham]

If they got away with it and blew all the money I would bet a repeat would have happened. Mo. Justice made sure that they would not commit dastardly crimes like that again.

[@maryguy-fo2qk]

I remember this case I was 10 at the time by the end of '53 the perps had been executed for this crime only 81 days from crime to execution. We need swift justice for crimes being done today.

[@leahreposa4599]

this episode was excellent and I agree 100% with you.

[@TommyTheCat42]

What a crazy story. Awesome video as usual!

[@jbenziggy]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@leeatterberry1239]

From the 9 minute 10 second mark couldn't agree more

[@johnpeddicord4932]

Enjoyed, another tragic story, Thanks Jeff for sharing

[@doggerproductions]

Jeff is always a great story teller, great video pity it's a sad one, what a pair of monsters they were. 👍🇬🇧

[@h.w.r8635]

Definitely One of the sadder stories that I've heard over the years. There is no excuse for taking a young life.

[@Thecorgially]

I agree the death penalty needs to be reinstated. Prayers for the family. RIP to Bobby and now he, his parents and sister are all together in heaven with God while the two evildoers are getting crispy forever.

[@jupite1888]

And we say even the Criminal butchers have rights?

[@thejimmyk]

I share your thoughts.

[@jbenziggy]

Thanks!

[@Themersive]

This is such a sad case. My dad told me years ago that this was the example that parents used to scare their kids into awareness, sort of like ghe way that our parents used the Adam Walsh case with us.

[@JanisLC]

😭😭this video was so very sad … but thank you for taking the time to remember this poor little boy …

[@joeriveracomedy]

Criminals in an el rancho? Nah! Norcal'ers smirking...