The True Story of a Failed Kidnapping in Mexico

Conceitos essenciais

The author explores the failed kidnapping attempt of John Patterson by delving into the intricate details and motivations behind the botched crime.

Resumo

In 1974, John Patterson, a junior diplomat at the American consulate in Hermosillo, Mexico, was targeted for abduction by Bobby Joe Keesee. The failed kidnapping unfolded as Keesee's elaborate plan to extort ransom money from Patterson's family unraveled due to various missteps and miscalculations. Despite the dramatic events that followed, including ransom demands and law enforcement involvement on both sides of the border, the truth behind the failed scheme eventually came to light through a series of unexpected revelations.

Estatísticas

The kidnappers demanded $500,000 as ransom for John Patterson.
President Nixon decided not to negotiate with terrorists even when American diplomats' lives were at stake.
FBI suspected a self-kidnapping orchestrated by John and Andra Patterson.
Bobby Joe Keesee was a former POW who attempted to kidnap John Patterson.

Citações

"I have evidently been taken hostage by the People’s Liberation Army of Mexico."
"Giovanni, je t’attends: 'John, I am waiting for you.'"
"Two times we gave you chances to free him and two time [sic] you hoped to trap our fighters but we know what you do when you do it."

Principais Insights Extraídos De

A Kidnapping Gone Very Wrong

by Brendan I. K... às www.theatlantic.com 04-15-2021

https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2021/05/john-patterson-kidnapping-mexico/618396/

Perguntas Mais Profundas

How did Bobby Joe Keesee's background as a former POW influence his decision to attempt kidnapping?

Bobby Joe Keesee's background as a former POW influenced his decision to attempt kidnapping in several ways. Firstly, being held captive and tortured by the North Vietnamese had likely left psychological scars on him, leading to irrational behavior and a distorted sense of reality. The trauma he experienced during his time in captivity may have contributed to his delusions of grandeur and desire for attention or recognition.
Moreover, Keesee's status as a former POW granted him a certain level of credibility and sympathy in the eyes of the public. By involving himself in another high-profile incident like a kidnapping, he may have sought to regain some semblance of heroism or importance that he felt was lacking in his post-war life. His association with more esteemed prisoners like John McCain during their release further fueled this desire for validation through dramatic actions.

How did media coverage play in shaping public perception during this failed kidnapping incident?

Media coverage played a significant role in shaping public perception during this failed kidnapping incident. Initially, the authorities tried to keep John Patterson's abduction under wraps, following the kidnappers' demands for secrecy. However, once details started leaking out due to slip-ups from government officials and investigative journalists digging into the case, public awareness grew rapidly.
The media coverage highlighted various aspects of the case such as suspicions around self-kidnapping orchestrated by Patterson or involvement from external parties like leftist groups or unknown terrorist organizations. These narratives influenced how people viewed the situation—raising doubts about Patterson's true intentions or casting shadows on Andra Patterson's efforts to secure her husband's release.
As information unfolded through news outlets both domestically and internationally, it created an atmosphere of uncertainty and speculation among the public regarding what truly happened to John Patterson. The evolving narrative shaped opinions about all involved parties—from law enforcement agencies handling the case to potential suspects—and impacted how individuals perceived the unfolding events.

How did governmental policies regarding negotiations with terrorists impact the outcome of this case?

Governmental policies regarding negotiations with terrorists had a profound impact on the outcome of this case involving John Patterson’s abduction by Bobby Joe Keesee. President Nixon’s firm stance against negotiating with terrorists—even when American lives were at stake—set a precedent that guided official responses throughout this ordeal.
Despite pressure from Andra Patterson seeking financial assistance for ransom payment—a common tactic used globally—the U.S. government adhered strictly to its non-negotiation policy due to fears that giving in could encourage future acts of terrorism targeting diplomats abroad.
This unwavering position not only limited direct intervention but also hindered potential avenues for resolving the crisis peacefully through monetary means—an approach often utilized successfully by other countries facing similar situations at that time.