Barbra Mackle
- 1. Early Life: Barbara Jane Mackle was born on June 1, 1948, in Coral Gables, Florida, to Robert and Patricia Mackle. She grew up in a wealthy family and attended the exclusive Pine Crest School in Fort Lauderdale.
- 2. Kidnapping: On December 17, 1968, Barbara Mackle was abducted from her motel room in Decatur, Georgia, by Gary Steven Krist, a former Air Force veteran. Krist posed as a police officer and convinced her to open the door before overpowering her and taking her hostage.
- 3. Captivity: Krist took Mackle to a remote area in rural Georgia, where he had prepared an underground box-like structure made of fiberglass. The box was equipped with ventilation, lighting, food, water, and even a chemical toilet. He buried the box underground with only a small breathing tube sticking out.
- 4. Ransom Demand: After burying Mackle alive, Krist contacted her family and demanded a $500,000 ransom for her release. He instructed them to deposit the money in a bank account in Miami.
- 5. Rescue: The FBI became involved in the case and worked closely with the Mackle family to negotiate with Krist. After three days of captivity, the FBI located the buried box and successfully rescued Barbara Mackle on December 20, 1968.
- 6. Trial and Conviction: Gary Steven Krist was arrested shortly after the rescue and charged with kidnapping. He stood trial in May 1969 and was found guilty. Krist was sentenced to life in prison but was released on parole in 1979 after serving just over ten years.
- 7. Aftermath: Barbara Mackle suffered from physical and psychological trauma as a result of her ordeal. She later married and had children but preferred to keep a low profile and rarely discussed the incident publicly.
- 8. Media Coverage: The kidnapping of Barbara Mackle received extensive media coverage at the time, with newspapers and television stations closely following the case. The incident sparked national debate on the issue of ransom payments and the safety of wealthy individuals.
- 9. Impact on Kidnapping Laws: The Mackle kidnapping prompted changes in federal laws regarding kidnapping. The Lindbergh Law, named after the famous kidnapping of Charles Lindbergh's son, was amended to include the transportation of victims across state lines, making it a federal offense.
- 10. Legacy: The Mackle kidnapping remains one of the most high-profile kidnapping cases in American history. It serves as a reminder of the dangers of abduction and the resilience of survivors.
