Son Reveals Mom’s ‘Explosive Secret’ After Her Death Because He Says She Helped D.B. Cooper Escape
The legend of D. B. Cooper has fascinated investigators and armchair sleuths for more than five decades. The unidentified hijacker boarded Northwest Orient Flight 305 on November 24, 1971, demanded $200,000, and parachuted into the night. Despite decades of investigation, no one has been definitively identified as the man behind the alias. A startling family confession has now sparked fresh speculation about the case.
Son Says His Father Was the Infamous Skyjacker
A man named Richard “Rick” McCoy III claims the mysterious hijacker was actually his father. According to his account, his mother privately revealed the truth before her death. He believes the real Cooper was Richard Floyd McCoy Jr., a Vietnam veteran and experienced skydiver. The claim has reignited debate over one of aviation’s most enduring mysteries.
Mother Allegedly Confessed to Helping Plan the Heists
Rick says his mother, Karen McCoy, admitted she helped orchestrate the daring crimes. She reportedly told her children that she assisted her husband with planning both hijackings. According to Rick, she described herself as an accomplice behind the scenes. Her alleged confession became public only after her death in December 2020.
The Daring Hijacking That Started the Legend
The original crime unfolded on Thanksgiving Eve in 1971. The hijacker threatened the crew with what he claimed was a bomb and demanded cash and parachutes. After receiving the ransom, he jumped from the plane somewhere over the Pacific Northwest. The case later became known as the infamous NORJAK hijacking.
Another Skyjacking Points Back to Rick’s Father
Unlike the Cooper case, one skyjacking linked to McCoy’s father was quickly solved. On April 7, 1972, Richard Floyd McCoy Jr. hijacked another plane in a similar fashion. Authorities captured him only three days later. He was sentenced to 45 years in prison for the crime.
Escape and Deadly Shootout End the Story
McCoy’s criminal saga did not end behind bars. After serving just two years of his sentence, he escaped from prison. In 1974, authorities tracked him down in Virginia. The pursuit ended with McCoy being killed in a shootout with police.
DNA Evidence Sent to the FBI for Review
Rick has reportedly submitted DNA evidence to the Federal Bureau of Investigation. He hopes modern forensic techniques might finally settle the decades old mystery. For years he avoided cooperating with investigators. He says he waited until after his mother’s death to reveal the story.
FBI Investigation Quietly Gains New Attention
The FBI officially closed its Cooper investigation in 2016 after decades without a solution. However, reports suggest the agency has quietly revisited certain leads connected to the McCoy claims. Investigators originally described Cooper as a white man in his mid forties with dark hair and an olive complexion. Even with new tips, solving the case remains a difficult challenge.
Many Others Have Claimed to Be D.B. Cooper
Rick’s story is far from the first confession tied to the legendary hijacker. Several individuals have either claimed to be Cooper or were accused by family members and friends. These stories have fueled endless speculation among investigators and historians. Yet none have produced definitive proof.
The Enduring Puzzle of America’s Most Famous Skyjacking
More than fifty years later, the identity of D. B. Cooper remains unresolved. Confessions, theories, and suspected suspects continue to emerge long after the crime itself. Whether the McCoy family claim proves credible or not, it adds another layer to the legend. For now, the mystery of the man who vanished into the night with $200,000 endures.