Case 256: Jill Rosenthal
On April 27 1964, young mother Dora Fronczak was in her hospital bed feeding her one-day-old son, Paul, when a nurse entered the room and said she had to take Paul back to the nursery. Dora handed her baby over and the nurse hurried out of the room.
Still carrying baby Paul, the nurse fled the hospital through a rear entrance and disappeared into Chicago’s city streets. It didn’t take long for staff at Michael Reese Hospital to realise Paul Fronczak had been kidnapped, and soon the city’s largest ever manhunt was underway. Despite the best efforts of police, no trace of the woman or Paul was found.
Team:
Anonymous Host - narration
Erin Munro - research, writing
Milly Raso - creative direction
Mike Migas - production, music
Andrew D.B. Joslyn - music
Comments (30)
It took them an hour to notify police... at least the fuzz came out in force to try and find the baby when they were notified! However, not notifying the mother... jeez!! So frustrating!
I was 12 years old living in Chicago when this happened. My mother was so upset that a baby was stolen from his mother’s arms. We prayed a lot for that family. There was so much wild speculation! Casefile did their usual stellar reporting. Great work.
Wild story, wow.
Really great writing on this episode, I immediately looked up the case afterwards
Such amazing writing!
This is such an epic journey. I can't even imagine finding all this out, one sad thing after another. Told so very well by an amazing team and one of my favorite episodes!
What a crazy story. Those poor babies. Paul must have such mixed feelings over this whole ordeal and I hope one day he gets the answers he deserves.
Wow! My all-time favorite Casefile story. Thank you for yet another perfectly-told, engrossing case.
Wow what a story. As a genetic genealogist this one hits me close and why I do the work I do. Great episode Casey. Worth the wait!
This was an absolute roller coaster! So many emotions listening to this one...I may or may not have sobbed at the very end with that conversation between mother and son 🤷♀️ A very well done episode!!!
strong episode to start back the season with. Poor kids
I have never heard this story before, sooooo many twists and turns. Welcome back, guys!
This is one of those stories I will never forget. Devastating for those poor babies. Welcome back Casefile, missed your amazing work 👏🏼
Even when I know the story casefile improves my understanding
Kids need their peeps or loving care. Heartbreak but resolution. Great again hah.
This is the saddest casefile I can remember
This one definitely hit different.
Welcome back! What a crazy story to come back to, twists and turns and none of them good. It became his life's work just to put pieces together.
Amazing listen. This has that OG case file feeling. Thank you guys so much for doing what you do
What a crazy story! Always worth the wait, Casefile. You guys are the best
Why in the world did they make that family wait 8 months to "confirm" that the found boy was theirs and then MAIL a letter to them about it. It was in the 60s, they had telephones and the ability to drive to their house. This story is full of so many insane turns and questions.
Wow. Insane!
So many people failed those 3 babies :(
This is one of the wildest stories you've ever told. Wow.
I'm so glad you're doing this case. I've read several books about it, and it seems almost unbelievable. Thanks for doing this episode!!
Missed y’all ❤️
Will we be getting a second episode since this is the same one the main feed got? 😊
It’s up now!
Welcome back Casey n Co. Missed you all. 🐾🐾🐾
Welcome back, Casefile! Lots of twists and turns in this one!