Solved? New Evidence Suggests D.B. Cooper's Identity After 53 Years

More than five decades ago, a meticulously planned crime shook the nation. On November 24, 1971, a man calling himself “Dan Cooper”—later misreported as “D.B. Cooper”—hijacked Northwest Orient Flight 305. His audacity was matched only by his successful escape, leaving behind a trail of unanswered questions and one of the most enduring mysteries in FBI history. The only unsolved skyjacking in US history, the D.B. Cooper case has captivated the public imagination, spawning countless theories and amateur investigations. Now, a potential breakthrough may finally shed light on this notorious case.

The McCoy Connection: A Family's Revelation

The children of convicted skyjacker Richard McCoy II, Chanté and Richard III (Rick), have come forward with compelling evidence suggesting their father was the infamous D.B. Cooper. Just months after the Cooper incident, McCoy was convicted of an incredibly similar skyjacking that involved a parachute jump. The siblings, keeping quiet for years out of respect for their deceased mother, Karen, who they believed may have been complicit, now believe it's time to reveal their suspicions. Their evidence centers around a modified parachute, which they and amateur sleuth Dan Gryder believe was used in Cooper’s daring escape. Gryder, in his YouTube series, highlights the uniqueness of this parachute, calling it “literally one in a billion.”

The Parachute's Significance

This modified military surplus bailout rig, discovered in a storage shed on family property in North Carolina, is not just any parachute. Its unique alterations, mirroring those known to have been made by veteran skydiver Earl Cossey (who worked with the FBI until his murder in 2013), are crucial. This parachute, along with a harness and a skydiving logbook showing Cooper's movements near Oregon and Utah (locations of the two skyjacking events), provide a concrete link. The FBI's involvement signals the significance of this potential evidence.

FBI Re-Engagement: A New Chapter

The FBI’s renewed interest, marked by a four-hour search of the McCoy property involving over a dozen agents, underscores the potential impact of this new evidence. This is the first substantial action from the bureau since the case was officially closed in 2016—a decision some former personnel claimed masked ongoing, albeit covert, investigation. The bureau’s renewed investigation includes the collection of the parachute, further suggesting their confidence in the potential significance of these newly revealed clues. The unique alterations to the parachute, matching those documented by Earl Cossey, could be the key piece that connects Richard McCoy to the D.B. Cooper case.

Examining the Evidence

The FBI's actions following the discovery of the parachute and associated items are telling. Their thorough search of the McCoy property and subsequent request for DNA samples from the McCoy children are clear indications that they are seriously considering the possibility of McCoy as D.B. Cooper. The sheer length and thoroughness of the search suggest the FBI believes the evidence they found is potentially crucial to solving the decades-old case. The subsequent request for DNA from McCoy's children further emphasizes this. The FBI's continued investigation into the newly discovered evidence signifies a renewed hope for solving the mysterious case.

The D.B. Cooper Case: A History of Mystery and Intrigue

The D.B. Cooper case has become a legend, a compelling blend of daring heist and unsolved mystery. On November 24, 1971, Cooper, having purchased a one-way ticket to Portland, boarded Northwest Orient Flight 305 without identification. Aboard the plane, he presented a note to a flight attendant threatening a bomb. His demands included $200,000, parachutes, and a refueling stop in Seattle. Following the fulfillment of his demands, Cooper released the passengers and crew members, directing the remaining crew members for the flight to Portland. Somewhere over Washington state, he parachuted out of the plane, his identity and fate remaining unknown for over half a century. The only physical evidence left behind was a clip-on tie and the $5800 of ransom money recovered years later.

The Intriguing Suspect: Richard McCoy II

McCoy, a decorated Vietnam War veteran, Green Beret and helicopter pilot, emerges as a compelling suspect. In April 1972, he successfully hijacked a United Airlines flight, mirroring the Cooper incident in its meticulous execution. He demanded $500,000, parachuted from the plane, and was apprehended within three days. The similarities between McCoy's actions and the D.B. Cooper hijacking are striking, adding further weight to the theory that he was responsible. Despite the similarities in the tactics employed, the age difference between McCoy and the initial description of Cooper initially lead many to dismiss him as a viable suspect. The new evidence from his family may just bridge that gap.

A Potential Resolution: The Verdict Is Still Out

While the new evidence is promising, it's crucial to maintain a balanced perspective. The FBI remains tight-lipped about the ongoing investigation, their official statements remaining consistent with their earlier pronouncements. However, the actions taken – the retrieval of evidence, the property search, and the request for DNA samples – strongly suggest that this evidence is being considered seriously. The possibility of finally solving one of America's most enigmatic crimes is within reach. Whether this evidence definitively proves McCoy's guilt or simply adds another layer to this fascinating narrative, the D.B. Cooper case continues to captivate, offering a glimpse into the complex world of investigation and the unwavering pursuit of justice. The final chapter of this long-running saga may finally be in sight.