Potential prime suspects in the enduring DB Cooper case increasingly come under scrutiny as investigation approaches final identification stage.
Unmasking DB Cooper: Is the Mystery Solved in 2023?
For over five decades, the identity of DB Cooper, the man who hijacked a plane in 1971 and vanished with a hefty ransom, has remained a puzzle. But a renowned investigator claims a breakthrough could be on the horizon.
DB Cooper took over Northwest Orient Airlines Flight 305, demanding $200,000 in cash and parachutes in exchange for keeping the 42 passengers and crew safe. He executed his plan mid-flight, jumping out over Washington State, never to be seen again.
A JCPenney clip-on tie could lead to a significant breakthrough in Cooper's identity, as the discarded tie has a tiny chemical speck suggesting an intriguing theory that could finally expose the hijacker. Interestingly, this tie remains in the FBI's possession despite the bureau officially closing its investigation in 2016.
While multiple suspects have been floated over the years, a few stand out among the crowd.
Dan Cooper
DB Cooper's cigarette matches and use of a matchbook from Oak Ridge, a city where Dan Cooper was a long-time employee, raise questions about whether he could have been the notorious hijacker. Dan Cooper was accidentally shot dead by police in 1960 and, though unrelated to the DB Cooper case, the tragic incident's timing has intrigued investigators.
Richard McCoy Jr.
McCoy's children have long suspected their father could be DB Cooper and, following their mother's death, came forward with a parachute they believe belongs to the hijacker. A parachute found in their North Carolina property and logbooks aligning with Cooper's hijacking timeline support their claim. However, DNA testing is ongoing, as solid DNA evidence remains critical to solving the case for good.
Sheridan Peterson
Another hot contender is Sheridan Peterson, who passed away in 2021. His background as a smokejumper, skydiving expertise, and Boeing employment drew initial interest from investigators. Despite his death, ongoing theories and investigations continue to suggest Peterson as the mysterious DB Cooper.
Although speculation remains rife, there is still no concrete proof linking any of these individuals to the DB Cooper hijacking. The intrigue and mystery surrounding this case continue, as investigators and true crime enthusiasts wait for the ultimate revelation.
- The investigator's claim of a potential breakthrough in the DB Cooper case has regained public interest, with news outlets covering general-news and crime-and-justice sections featuring the story.
- Some believe that a significant connection exists between the long-time Oak Ridge employee, Dan Cooper, and DB Cooper, based on the latter's use of a matchbook from that city and his cigarette matches.
- The children of Richard McCoy Jr., another suspect, maintain that their father was DB Cooper, presenting a parachute believed to be Cooper's and logbooks aligning with the hijacking timeline. However, DNA testing is still inconclusive.
- Sheridan Peterson, who was a smokejumper and had skydiving expertise, remains a strong contender, with ongoing theories implicating him despite his recent passing in 2021.
- Despite numerous suspects and intriguing evidence, technology has yet to provide a conclusive solution to the enduring mystery surrounding DB Cooper's true identity in the field of sports or beyond.
