Here's a few kidnappings in recent years that have been reported publicly. The kidnappings by Matthew Muller speak to the chilling effect of calling a report a hoax without thorough investigation and to victims not reporting the crime out of fear that the kidnapper could return.
I'm using the kidnapper's name out of respect for the victims' privacy.
Kenneth McIsaac - convicted in March 2025 of kidnapping a family for ransom.
Contra Costa County jury convicted Kenneth McIsaac on felony charges, related to a home invasion incident involving a Lafayette family
contracosta.news
Putnam Richardson, age 79, kidnapped a local attorney for ransom in Beaumont, TX in July 2024.
Kidnapper Craig Ross, Jr - kidnapped 9-year-old girl from campground in New York state in 2023. Ransom note he left in the family's mailbox led to identification of the kidnapper and the rescue of the child.
Charlotte Sena, 9, was found in "good health" in a cupboard in a trailer used as living quarters by the suspect, Gov. Kathy Hochul said Monday night.
www.nbcnews.com
Matthew Muller - entered homes were couples were sleeping and kidnapped the woman for ransom. Succeeded twice. Police called the first kidnapping a hoax. Second couple did not report it for 9 years. Third attempt was foiled, leading to his arrest.
Matthew Muller, who sexually assaulted a Vallejo woman who was kidnapped from her home in what police initially thought was a hoax, was sentenced Friday to 31 years in state prison.
www.cbsnews.com