Episode 597: The Kidnapping of Barbara Jane Mackle
Episode 597: The Kidnapping of Barbara Jane Mackle
7Digest
The episode begins with the hosts, Ash and Alaina, discussing their recent appearance in The Hollywood Reporter's podcasting article and Bill Simmons's opinion on "bullshit banter" in podcasts. Alaina then shares personal updates, including her upcoming mini book tour for her book "The Butcher Game" and a sweepstakes where fans can win a stay at the Red Lion Inn and tickets to a murder mystery dinner with her and Ash. The main focus of the episode is the 1967 kidnapping of Barbara Jane Mackle. The hosts detail the events leading up to the kidnapping, including Barbara's illness, her mother Jane's arrival in Atlanta to care for her, and the mysterious phone call Jane receives about a "registered letter" for Barbara. The narrative then shifts to the night of the kidnapping, where Jane is awakened by Barbara's labored breathing and then startled by a knock at the motel door. A man claiming to be a detective tells her about a young boy in the hospital who needs her. Jane, believing it's Stewart, opens the door, only to be attacked and knocked unconscious. The episode then explores the aftermath of the kidnapping, including Jane's call to the police, the initial skepticism of the police officers, and the arrival of Robert Mackle, Barbara's father, from Miami. Robert immediately contacts FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover, taking the case out of local police hands. The hosts then discuss the ransom note, the FBI investigation, and Barbara's experience while trapped in the coffin-shaped box. They reveal that Barbara is alive and share her thoughts and experiences, including the limited food and water, the drugged water, and her initial despair and determination to survive. The episode continues with the ransom drop and the botched exchange, where Robert Mackle gathers the ransom money and prepares for the exchange. The kidnappers provide specific instructions, including a white suit for Robert and a remote location. Robert, confused about the location, seeks directions from a fisherman. The FBI, unaware of the exact location, inadvertently botches the exchange when local police officers spot the kidnappers and chase them. The episode concludes with the second exchange, the discovery of evidence, and the investigation into George Deacon. The kidnappers contact Robert again, offering a second chance to save Barbara. The FBI informs the local authorities this time, and the exchange goes smoothly. The police officers, in their pursuit of the kidnappers, discover a Volvo station wagon with evidence linking it to the crime, including a key to Jane and Barbara's motel room. The FBI investigates the Volvo and discovers it belongs to George Gary Deacon, a man with no known criminal record. Inside the car, they find Polaroid photos of Deacon, including one depicting him nude and heavily bearded. The episode ends with a cliffhanger, promising that the next episode will reveal more mind-blowing information about the case.
Outlines
Introduction and Morbid Intro
This segment introduces the podcast "Morbid" and its hosts, Ash and Alaina. They discuss their recent experience being featured in The Hollywood Reporter's podcasting article and Bill Simmons's opinion on "bullshit banter" in podcasts.
Personal Updates and Book Tour Announcement
Alaina shares personal updates, including her upcoming mini book tour for her book "The Butcher Game." She also announces a sweepstakes where fans can win a stay at the Red Lion Inn and tickets to a murder mystery dinner with her and Ash.
The Kidnapping of Barbara Jane Mackle
The hosts delve into the story of Barbara Jane Mackle's kidnapping in 1967. They detail Barbara's illness, her mother Jane's arrival in Atlanta to care for her, and the mysterious phone call Jane receives about a "registered letter" for Barbara. The narrative then shifts to the night of the kidnapping, where Jane is awakened by Barbara's labored breathing and then startled by a knock at the motel door. A man claiming to be a detective tells her about a young boy in the hospital who needs her. Jane, believing it's Stewart, opens the door, only to be attacked and knocked unconscious.
The Aftermath and the FBI Investigation
Jane, freed from her bonds, calls the police, but the night clerk, Walter Perkins, is unhelpful and dismissive. The police officers who arrive are also initially skeptical of Jane's story. Robert Mackle, Barbara's father, arrives from Miami and immediately contacts FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover, taking the case out of local police hands. The hosts then discuss the ransom note, the FBI investigation, and Barbara's experience while trapped in the coffin-shaped box. They reveal that Barbara is alive and share her thoughts and experiences, including the limited food and water, the drugged water, and her initial despair and determination to survive.
The Ransom Drop and the Investigation Continues
The episode continues with the ransom drop and the botched exchange, where Robert Mackle gathers the ransom money and prepares for the exchange. The kidnappers provide specific instructions, including a white suit for Robert and a remote location. Robert, confused about the location, seeks directions from a fisherman. The FBI, unaware of the exact location, inadvertently botches the exchange when local police officers spot the kidnappers and chase them. The episode concludes with the second exchange, the discovery of evidence, and the investigation into George Deacon. The kidnappers contact Robert again, offering a second chance to save Barbara. The FBI informs the local authorities this time, and the exchange goes smoothly. The police officers, in their pursuit of the kidnappers, discover a Volvo station wagon with evidence linking it to the crime, including a key to Jane and Barbara's motel room. The FBI investigates the Volvo and discovers it belongs to George Gary Deacon, a man with no known criminal record. Inside the car, they find Polaroid photos of Deacon, including one depicting him nude and heavily bearded. The episode ends with a cliffhanger, promising that the next episode will reveal more mind-blowing information about the case.
Keywords
Bullshit Banter
Informal, lighthearted conversation often used in podcasts to build rapport with listeners. Can be seen as a distraction by some, but others find it engaging and relatable.
Mini Book Tour
A smaller-scale book tour, often focused on local events and bookstores, allowing authors to connect with readers in a more intimate setting.
Sweepstakes
A contest where participants can win prizes by entering through various methods, such as uploading a receipt or following social media accounts.
Kidnapping for Ransom
A crime where a person is abducted and held captive for the purpose of demanding money or other valuables for their release.
J. Edgar Hoover
The long-serving director of the FBI, known for his controversial methods and influence during the Cold War era.
Remote Location
A place that is isolated and difficult to access, often used as a meeting point for clandestine activities.
Ransom Drop
The act of delivering a ransom payment to kidnappers, often at a predetermined location and under specific instructions.
Polaroid Photos
Instant photographs taken with a Polaroid camera, known for their distinctive square format and the ability to develop the image immediately.
Q&A
What is the main topic of this podcast episode?
The episode focuses on the 1967 kidnapping of Barbara Jane Mackle, a young college student, and the subsequent investigation and ransom exchange.
What role did Robert Mackle's wealth and connections play in the case?
Robert's wealth and connections allowed him to quickly involve the FBI and secure their highest priority, effectively taking the case out of the hands of the local police.
What were the kidnappers' demands and how did they ensure Robert's cooperation?
The kidnappers demanded $500,000 in new $20 bills and provided detailed instructions for the ransom drop, including Robert's attire and the location. They also monitored the exchange, ensuring Robert followed their instructions.
How did the local police officers inadvertently botch the ransom drop?
While patrolling a rural area, the officers spotted the kidnappers and chased them, unaware of the ongoing ransom exchange. This led to the kidnappers dropping the suitcase containing the ransom money.
What evidence did the police discover that linked George Deacon to the kidnapping?
The police found a Volvo station wagon with Massachusetts plates, believed to belong to Deacon, containing rope, tape, a ski mask, a key to Jane and Barbara's motel room, and Polaroid photos of Deacon.
What is the significance of this case?
This case is significant because it is one of the few cases where the victim survived. It also highlights the importance of evidence and the role of investigators in solving crimes.
Show Notes
In the early morning hours of December 17, 1968, two gunmen burst into the Atlanta motel room of Barbara Jane Mackle and her mother, Jane. After tying up and chloroforming Jane Mackle, the two kidnapped Barbara, forcing her into their car at gunpoint. Later that day, a family friend received a call at the Mackle home in Florida, instructing them to look in the northwest corner of the Mackle’s yard, where they would find a ransom note with details about how to ensure their daughter’s safe return.
Once the note was unearthed, the Mackle’s learned their daughter had been placed inside a box and buried in the ground in a remote location. She has enough food, water, and air to survive for a few days, but if the family doesn’t act quickly, there’s a good chance Barbara will die
The kidnapping of Barbara Jane Mackle was an elaborately planned, well-executed crime that quickly dominated local and national headlines, which was no small feat in a year of major social upheaval. By the 1960s, kidnapping for ransom was a familiar concept, but to be kidnapped and buried alive was a terrifying thought that shook Americans to their core and left everyone wondering, what kind of person could do such a thing?
Thank you to the incredible Dave White of Bring Me The Axe Podcast for research and writing support!
References
Associated Press. 1968. "Kidnapped college girl found safe in box underground." Los Angeles Times, December 21: 1.
—. 1968. "Mackle kidnapping suspect capturted; $480,000 recovered." Los Angeles Times, December 22: 1.
—. 1968. "Kidnapped girl tells of ordeal of 83 hours entombed in box." New York Times, December 29: 44.
—. 1968. "Kidnapped girl, buried alive, is freed." New York Times, December 21: 1.
Atlanta Constitution. 1968. "80-hour burial ends in rescue." Atlanta Constitution, December 21: 1.
—. 1968. "Motel coed kidnapped here spurs nationwide alert for 2." Atlanta Constitution, December 18: 1.
Foreman, Laura. 1968. "Campus silent about the girl." Atlanta Constitution, December 18: 1.
Gary Steven Krist v. State of Georgia. 1970. 227 Ga. 85 (Ga. 1970) (Supreme Court of Georgia, December 3).
Markowitz, Arnold. 1969. "Plea of Innocent entered for Krist." Miami Herald, March 8: 1.
Miami Herald. 1969. "Krist collapses; is being force-fed." Miami Herald, April 25: 4.
—. 1969. "'Superiority' goes to jail." Miami Herald, May 28: 3.
—. 1969. "Who's villain of kidnap case?" Miami Herald, March 9: 19.
Miller, Gene. 1969. "Krist gets life in prison avter jury grants mercy." Miami Herald, May 27: 1.
—. 1969. "'Life imprisonment worse than death'." Miami Herald, May 27: 16.
Miller, Gene, and Barbara Mackle. 1971. Eighty-Three Hours till Dawn. New York, NY: Doubleday.
Murray, Frank. 1968. "Researcher and 2 sought in kidnap." Atlanta Constitution, December 20: 1.
New York Times. 1968. "Ransom pickup inadvertently foiled by Miami police." New York Times, December 20.
Raines, Howell. 1979. "Parole of a kidnapper angers Atlanta." New York Times, May 14: A14.
Sosin, Milt. 1969. "FBI hunts Ruth's 'flight pal'." Miami News, March 6: 1.
—. 1969. "Ruth: Everyone is against me." Miami News, March 7: 1.
United Press International. 1968. "Gunman and 'boy' kidnapp 20-year-old coed, Florida millionaire's daughter." New York Times, December 18: 25.
Vissar, Steve. 2006. "The strange odyssey of Gary Krist; From kidnapper to prisoner to doctor to alleged drug smuggler." Atlanta Journal-Constitution, March 19.
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