CO - Richard & Mayumi Heene charged in Balloon Boy hoax, Fort Collins, 2009 - #1

[Muffet]

Even if the sheriff questions him, I don't think anything will come out of it. For instance, the sheriff claims the child is so hyperactive, so he couldn't be made to sit in the attic for five hours as a part of some hoax. Well, the child did sit in the attic for hours.
So apparently the sheriff thinks no one can make the child to sit in the attic for five hours, but he would sit in there voluntarily?
Does that logic makes much sense?

I think the sheriff was explaining why he believed Falcon was asleep... in answer to the reporter who was questioning how he could sleep through the commotion.

I think the kid was either given a benadryl, or forced to stay up there by Richard, who, if I understood correctly, was planted right there in the garage when he finally crawled out. (?)

 

[kant]

Even if the sheriff questions him, I don't think anything will come out of it. For instance, the sheriff claims the child is so hyperactive, so he couldn't be made to sit in the attic for five hours as a part of some hoax. Well, the child did sit in the attic for hours.
So apparently the sheriff thinks no one can make the child to sit in the attic for five hours, but he would sit in there voluntarily?
Does that logic makes much sense?

I know; He claimed the kid's massive fear made him able to sit there that long. (eyeroll) And what kills me is the sheriff's flippant way of dealing with the demonstration (that the Dad conveniently put a stop to) of how the kid got himself up there. The sheriff was all, "Well, it looked like he could have gotten up there." Oh really? Well then no problem letting him actually do it with witnesses then.

Gack. Pass the Pepto.

I hate to say this, but, Barney Fife much? I mean, ... come on. Do you keep your one bullet in your pocket too? At least Barn would want to, "Nip it; Nip it in the bud." (Sorry; couldn't resist.)

.

 

[jjenny]

I think the sheriff was explaining why he believed Falcon was asleep... in answer to the reporter who was questioning how he could sleep through the commotion.

I think the kid was either given a benadryl, or forced to stay up there by Richard, who, if I understood correctly, was planted right there in the garage when he finally crawled out. (?)

Sheriff was explaining why he believed this was a "real event." The argument he used that the kid is so hyperactive, he couldn't be made to sit in the attic for five hours.
My point is, why does the sheriff think the kid who couldn't be made to sit in the attic for five hours, would voluntarily stay in the attic for five hours? And why would the kid be scared he was responsible for untethering the device? The video shows the mother, the father, no kid. The balloon was launched by the parents (apparently it's the mother who was supposed to hold the tether), the kid wasn't anywhere near the balloon, so what was the kid so scared off?

The quote from the sheriff in the transcripts link to which provided below:

"You know, if any of you saw some of the media interviews or activities at the scene immediately after the boy came out, it's very evident that this boy is very hyperactive, to say the least, and, you know, the suggestion to us that perhaps this boy had been coached or coaxed by his parents to hide and remain still in this attic for five hours, during the duration of this event, just seems inconceivable. It seems much more likely that the boy was in fact frightened, because he somehow thought that he was responsible for this device becoming untethered and, therefore, decided to hide."

http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0910/16/qmb.01.html

 

[Chili Fries]

I can understand where the sheriff is coming from. Unless the mom or dad comes out and admits it he's probably not going to be able to prove it conclusively. The charge would be the lowest class misdemeanor anyway and I doubt they would be able to get any restitution out of the family because they seem to already be in debt. I'm sure the sheriff will question the family again but I don't see any reason to waste too many more resources trying to hang probation and a $750 fine at most on these people.

 

[JBean]

Sheriff was explaining why he believed this was a "real event." The argument he used that the kid is so hyperactive, he couldn't be made to sit in the attic for five hours.
My point is, why does the sheriff think the kid who couldn't be made to sit in the attic for five hours, would voluntarily stay in the attic for five hours? And why would the kid be scared he let the balloon go? The video shows the mother, the father, no kid. The balloon was launched by the parents (apparently it's the mother who was supposed to hold the tether), the kid wasn't anywhere near the balloon, so what was the kid so scared off?

The quote from the sheriff in the transcripts link to which provided below:

"You know, if any of you saw some of the media interviews or activities at the scene immediately after the boy came out, it's very evident that this boy is very hyperactive, to say the least, and, you know, the suggestion to us that perhaps this boy had been coached or coaxed by his parents to hide and remain still in this attic for five hours, during the duration of this event, just seems inconceivable. It seems much more likely that the boy was in fact frightened, because he somehow thought that he was responsible for this device becoming untethered and, therefore, decided to hide."

http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0910/16/qmb.01.html

well the mother seemed shocked that the balloon was not secured because she thought she had already secured it. I thought perhaps the boy had messed around with her work at some point and he actually was responsible for it being released. he wouldn't have to be around to know he was the one that untied or loosened the ropes. Maybe he did it very deliberately.
A hyper child, when motivated, can certainly do what they need to to survive LOL.

I don't really have much of an opinion on this yet, but I thought I would offer some alternatives.

 

[jjenny]

well the mother seemed shocked that the balloon was not secured because she thought she had already secured it. I thought perhaps the boy had messed around with her work at some point and he actually was responsible for it being released. he wouldn't have to be around to know he was the one that untied or loosened the ropes. Maybe he did it very deliberately.
A hyper child, when motivated, can certainly do what they need to to survive LOL.

I don't really have much of an opinion on this yet, but I thought I would offer some alternatives.

One would imagine that before launching it, they should have checked that it was indeed tethered.
Let's say the kid untethered it earlier, how would he know they wouldn't check it before launch? He wasn't there for launch, so presumably he already hid by that time, how would he know it was gone to be so scared as to hide in the attic for five hours or more?

 

[Muffet]

Sheriff was explaining why he believed this was a "real event." The argument he used that the kid is so hyperactive, he couldn't be made to sit in the attic for five hours.
My point is, why does the sheriff think the kid who couldn't be made to sit in the attic for five hours, would voluntarily stay in the attic for five hours? And why would the kid be scared he was responsible for untethering the device? The video shows the mother, the father, no kid. The balloon was launched by the parents (apparently it's the mother who was supposed to hold the tether), the kid wasn't anywhere near the balloon, so what was the kid so scared off?

The quote from the sheriff in the transcripts link to which provided below:

"You know, if any of you saw some of the media interviews or activities at the scene immediately after the boy came out, it's very evident that this boy is very hyperactive, to say the least, and, you know, the suggestion to us that perhaps this boy had been coached or coaxed by his parents to hide and remain still in this attic for five hours, during the duration of this event, just seems inconceivable. It seems much more likely that the boy was in fact frightened, because he somehow thought that he was responsible for this device becoming untethered and, therefore, decided to hide."

http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0910/16/qmb.01.html

Thanks, Jenny.

This is the part I was referring to:

QUESTION: Sheriff, the garage, the garage in which the boy was hiding, yesterday there was police tape around the house, there were investigators in the garage the entire time. The boy said to the press that he was sleeping up there half of the time that he was up there.

Looking into the garage, the garage was opened. Press was around. It was a very highly -- you know, a lot of commotion going on.

How likely is it that the boy could have been sleeping? I mean, with the stories that have been -- I mean, how likely -- do you still believe he was sleeping? And how will that play into your questions tomorrow when you interview the family?

ALDERDEN: Well, again, just -- let me maybe reverse it and saying, seeing how hyperactive this young lad was when he came out, how conceivable is it that he just sat up there quietly without being asleep or without being fearful to come out? I just can't see this particular boy being told, go sit up there for five hours and be quiet. I just don't see that happening as hyperactive as he is.
​

 

[jjenny]

Sheriff offers two explanations as to why the child would be up there voluntarily for five hours- he was fearful to come out, or he was asleep. Yet the sheriff argues the child that hyperactive couldn't be made to sit up there.
Does that make sense to anyone, because it doesn't make sense to me?
I think the child could have fallen asleep or be fearful to leave the attic regardless of why he got up in the attic and stayed there for five hours.

 

[kant]

I can understand where the sheriff is coming from. Unless the mom or dad comes out and admits it he's probably not going to be able to prove it conclusively. The charge would be the lowest class misdemeanor anyway and I doubt they would be able to get any restitution out of the family because they seem to already be in debt. I'm sure the sheriff will question the family again but I don't see any reason to waste too many more resources trying to hang probation and a $750 fine at most on these people.

I see your point, but if they are responsible for a stunt, imo they can at least use the money they're making off this to pay something in retribution. For example, IIRC Inside Edition pays for things like this. I'm sure others do.

And about him being able to stay for 5 hours.... the father seems pretty scary to me. If he told Falcon to stay there for this stunt, Im guessing the kid would do just that.

MOO
.

 

[Muffet]

Even if the kid was afraid to come out, I don't see how it should indicate that he was afraid of being punished for hiding, when he could as easily been afraid of being punished for coming out after his dad told him to stay up there.

 

[Muffet]

Sheriff offers two explanations as to why the child would be up there voluntarily for five hours- he was scared or he was asleep. Yet the sheriff argues the child that hyperactive couldn't be made to sit up there.
Does that make sense to anyone, because it doesn't make sense to me?
I think the child could have fallen asleep or be fearful to leave the attic regardless of why he got up in the attic and stayed there for five hours.

Exactly.

 

[Annie]

I can understand where the sheriff is coming from. Unless the mom or dad comes out and admits it he's probably not going to be able to prove it conclusively. The charge would be the lowest class misdemeanor anyway and I doubt they would be able to get any restitution out of the family because they seem to already be in debt. I'm sure the sheriff will question the family again but I don't see any reason to waste too many more resources trying to hang probation and a $750 fine at most on these people.

Get him for any amount you can, and then let the wheat farmer and all the others sue for their expenses.

 

[jamiect]

Sheriff offers two explanations as to why the child would be up there voluntarily for five hours- he was scared or he was asleep. Yet the sheriff argues the child that hyperactive couldn't be made to sit up there.
Does that make sense to anyone, because it doesn't make sense to me?
I think the child could have fallen asleep or be fearful to leave the attic regardless of why he got up in the attic and stayed there for five hours.

I am really trying to follow this sheriff's reasoning, but I can't. As a mom of two boys, I cannot see either of my kids staying put in any place for that amount of time unless they were asleep. I do realize the boy may have been exhausted, but considering what was happening around him, I find it a little hard to believe.

 

[mycroft]

Even if the sheriff questions him, I don't think anything will come out of it. For instance, the sheriff claims the child is so hyperactive, so he couldn't be made to sit in the attic for five hours as a part of some hoax. Well, the child did sit in the attic for hours.
So apparently the sheriff thinks no one can make the child to sit in the attic for five hours, but he would sit in there voluntarily?
Does that logic makes much sense?

With all due respect to the man, I don't see how the Sheriff could reasonably be saying that this wasn't a hoax after seeing the craft and the launch video. There's no way the parents thought he was in the device. And why announce in the press that they will be interviewed privately? It seems like they just don't want to be bothered with recovering their costs, which I read were about $15,000.

Worse still, it landed in a family's wheat field, and that crop was lost as the rescuers drove across it, so it's robbed them of their livelihood.

I don't think that this was a planned hoax, even if he was planning a hoax using the balloon at some future time. I think the mother accidentally let it go, then the dad lost his mind in a tantrum, and he bullied her into going along with this scheme. I can't believe that the 9-11 lady didn't hang up on them when they kept saying it was a flying saucer.

I'd be interested in hearing what he told the FAA. Did he start out with the kid in the balloon, or did he report his missing balloon and had to escalate things when they said that they didn't care? I know the tv station he called said they didn't believe him, and only agreed to send the helicopter after he called the police. I've read elsewhere that the craft would not require a permit, so I don't think he lied to cover that up. I think he just wanted his balloon back and his efforts to enlist help didn't work until he threw the kid into the mix.

I wonder if the kid was throwing up repeatedly because they gave him something to make him sleep in the attic, or if he was just nervous. He didn't seem nervous about telling Blitzer about being told it was for tv.

 

[Linda7NJ]

kant-- i wholeheartedly agree with you. a total waste of resources, and a big breakdown of communication somewhere along the line, whether it was a hoax or not. i just wish the authorities could have dealt with it quickly w/o the usual media circus. if it turns out to be true, even if the dad was making a 'point' or whatever.. he/they should be arrested & punished for making false reports. and to make a little kid lie and go through this on national TV....?? it's abusive and criminal. you can almost see the guilty look on the boy's face, as if he's confused about the whole thing and knows the dad is lying (just my observation at the moment). the whole thing seems cruel and sick... it's like vicious cycle of reality TV gone haywire...

The other brother, the one in the middle looks to one parent and then the other as is total disbelief of what is comming out of their mouths.

 

[kant]

With all due respect to the man, I don't see how the Sheriff could reasonably be saying that this wasn't a hoax after seeing the craft and the launch video. There's no way the parents thought he was in the device. And why announce in the press that they will be interviewed privately? It seems like they just don't want to be bothered with recovering their costs, which I read were about $15,000.

Worse still, it landed in a family's wheat field, and that crop was lost as the rescuers drove across it, so it's robbed them of their livelihood.

I don't think that this was a planned hoax, even if he was planning a hoax using the balloon at some future time. I think the mother accidentally let it go, then the dad lost his mind in a tantrum, and he bullied her into going along with this scheme. I can't believe that the 9-11 lady didn't hang up on them when they kept saying it was a flying saucer.

I'd be interested in hearing what he told the FAA. Did he start out with the kid in the balloon, or did he report his missing balloon and had to escalate things when they said that they didn't care? I know the tv station he called said they didn't believe him, and only agreed to send the helicopter after he called the police. I've read elsewhere that the craft would not require a permit, so I don't think he lied to cover that up. I think he just wanted his balloon back and his efforts to enlist help didn't work until he threw the kid into the mix.

I wonder if the kid was throwing up repeatedly because they gave him something to make him sleep in the attic, or if he was just nervous. He didn't seem nervous about telling Blitzer about being told it was for tv.

Maybe there is something wrong with me for thinking this, but I thought it was amusing when the 911 operator asked, "Does the child know how to steer the flying saucer?" ("Why, yes, he's taken it for a test drive several times and he knows how to steer it, just not how to land it, so that's why I'm calling.")

Ok I'm an a$$.

.

 

[jjenny]

Maybe there is something wrong with me for thinking this, but I thought it was amusing when the 911 operator asked, "Does the child know how to steer the flying saucer?" ("Why, yes, he's taken it for a test drive several times and he knows how to steer it, just not how to land it, so that's why I'm calling.")

Ok I'm an a$$.

.

I have no idea why the mother said it was a "flying saucer" to the 911 operator. It's a balloon. I am not surprised 911 operator was confused, because when I think of a flaying saucer, I think of a flying saucer like in a movies, not a helium filled balloon.

 

[octobermoon]

Maybe there is something wrong with me for thinking this, but I thought it was amusing when the 911 operator asked, "Does the child know how to steer the flying saucer?" ("Why, yes, he's taken it for a test drive several times and he knows how to steer it, just not how to land it, so that's why I'm calling.")

Ok I'm an a$$.

.

No you aren't. LOL. I kept thinking the operator was just trying to speak "heenese" !

 

[Linda7NJ]

Even if the sheriff questions him, I don't think anything will come out of it. For instance, the sheriff claims the child is so hyperactive, so he couldn't be made to sit in the attic for five hours as a part of some hoax. Well, the child did sit in the attic for hours.
So apparently the sheriff thinks no one can make the child to sit in the attic for five hours, but he would sit in there voluntarily?
Does that logic makes much sense?

I think they probably deprived the kid of sleep prior and the kid probably fell asleep up there for much of the time. I think the dad told the boy to stay put until some sort of signal...like when ya hear daddy in the garage

 

[jamiect]

I don't think that this was a planned hoax, even if he was planning a hoax using the balloon at some future time. I think the mother accidentally let it go, then the dad lost his mind in a tantrum, and he bullied her into going along with this scheme. I can't believe that the 9-11 lady didn't hang up on them when they kept saying it was a flying saucer.

It has been reported that three 911 calls were made from this family in the last year. IMO, this wife was abused and battered from this sicko. Sheriff reported marks and bruises on wife.