Kidnapped !

Robert Louis Stevenson wrote Kidnapped in 1886 , and while it’s a good adventure novel, it sadly doesn’t capture the horror and sadness surrounding a true kidnapping. On the 78th anniversary of the Lindbergh Kidnapping, I just wanted to drop a note of remembrance. Most folks of my age wouldn’t remember this kidnapping case, which spawned the United State’s laws on kidnapping. Lindbergh (you know, the guy who flew the Spirit of St. Louis. First nonstop flight from NY to Paris ?) had his 20 month son kidnapped on 1 Mach 1932. A note was found on the scene , a second note was sent later, and after about two months of searching - the boy was found dead about four miles from the house; he had been killed before - even as the kidnapper(s) asked for ransom. The killer was caught, tried, and sent to the electric chair.

Sound familiar ? You may have seen the same plot played out in Murder on the Orient Express. Agatha Christie had capitalized on the story.

Five Miles Downrange:

The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children is the nation's clearinghouse and comprehensive reporting center for all issues related to the prevention of and recovery from child victimization, NCMEC leads the fight against abduction, abuse, and exploitation. If you need help, their hotline number is 1-800-543-5678.