WA WA - D.B. Cooper hijacking mystery, 24 Nov 1971 - #1

[reportertype]

Have you been able to ask him about how he made his living in past years? Mainly from 70s through now?

 

[j2mirish]

j2 The money did not last 35 years, IMO. I believe it lasted four of five years. this guy has been busted for other crimes since the hijacking, and we are talking big dollar crimes. So, he has survived by committing other crimes. I really don't know all the answers. But, I do know that there is no way in he-- that he was able to support the lifestlye he had in late 1972, given he lack of employment, and his bleak financial situation. He basically went from a blue collar employee, to a playboy, within one year.


left

gottcha- i misunderstood-i took it he did this,
then has lived the high life since--------------- me ----- > :slap:
will stay up on this thread cause you are a doll-
ok- you are on the left coast--- and i am on the right coast-- time to sign off for the night - besides, I dont want to wear you out with questions--- thanks for all of your replies--- good night lc :blowkiss:

 

[scandi]

This is fascinating! Thanks so much for your going thru everything like this Left. Isn't it amazing they didn't try to get fingerprints off something in the plane. Do you think he wore gloves inside the pland? The stewardess might have noticed something he touched when he was with her. I'm just wondering how thouough they really were!

So it seems you have a lot of Circumstantial evidence that points to him being DB. And now since he slipped and used the word I, is that enough for LE to get a search warrant for his property - home or anywhere he would store things? I might have missed this, but are you in touch with a LE group that would be in position to effect a warrant and bring him in to throw him in the box for aquestioning?

He probably has taken to you as you are so interested in the hijacking, but am thinking he might fall pretty fast if questioned by an experienced investigator who is weathered in the biz, if you know what I mean. Some are good at that, others not so good.

I guess I'm wondering how this will work to name him. The station doesn't want to be sued by him for slander or whatever it would be which is why they are getting legal advice.

I've got to go to bed too, but maybe over the weekend we can discuss this. How you take everything you know, put it together and then turn it over to the right LE agency who has the perfect DA behind him to carry the ball. It would be a Federal Investigator, right, like the man who was murdered in his home in Seattle?

It is a most interesting situation Leftcoast. I'm so glad you joined

Scandi

 

[WhiteWolf]

Hi Poco, Yes, I am one of the two who was on KOIN. As for the interview, it was up on the KOIN website for about one or two weeks, but, I don't believe it is available on their site anymore. When it was on tv, I made a few copies, just to make sure I would have a record.


As for our suspect getting nervous. You are absolutely right. That is why I believe he is actually talking to us. To try to convince us he isn't Cooper. Every time we visit him, the first thing he does is tell us where he was during the hijacking. To everyone, it would seem he has a perfect alibi. HOwever, we checked with the FBI and his story about where he was during the time Cooper was on the plane is not true, according to multiple FBI sources. In addition, we know for a fact that our suspect called the FBI at 10:00pm, some two hours after Cooper jumped, and didn't want the FBI to think he was the hijacker.

Also, if you are really interested in this case (I don't want to push this case on anyone), I did a radio interview with a guy named Steve Rinehart last summer. IF you go his website, STEVENRINEHART.com, you will see information regarding Cooper and interviews with various people. Third down is the interview I did with him. It is 50 minutes long and explains the entire case.

As for our suspect seeing the KOIN interview, I don't think he did. It really doesn't matter anymore, because after 7 years, we are going to identify him shortly, we just have to clear a few legal hurdles.

By the way, here is a quote from our visit this past sunday. I asked our suspect about how the money got to rest on the beach along the Columbia. HIs exact quote, which we can prove, is "well, I know that Cooper just took 5,000 or so, in twenties, walked up to the river, and put the money somewhere where it will eventually be found, once you find it, you will think that "I" drowned, and everybody will think that db cooper drowned. It is great insurance, why not?" That was one of quotes from him this weekend.

leftcoast

Welcome, leftcoast.

It's called "foaming the runway before a crash." If your suspect made excuses about his alibi before he was asked, he had something to hide. Same with the money that was found on the banks of the Columbia River. Of course, he could be yanking your chain about the whole thing

 

[leftcoast]

Reporter: No, I didn't ask him how he made a living since 1970. I know what his answer would be, plus, it would make it seem like we were closing in on him.

As for Cooper and prints. No, supposedly he did not wear gloves while on the plane. THe FBI in Reno spent 9 hours gathering evidence and obtained prints, 67 of which were never identified. I don't know, nor do I think those prints have ever been compared to my suspect, nor have they been run through AFIS. You see, back in the 70's, prints were examined manually. Hence, you had to have a suspect, and then see is his prints were on the seat, interphone, glass, etc. Nowadays, the computer can do it.

As for slander, how can you slander a guy who has four felony convictions? But, yes, that is the main concern. Anyone else think he will do an on-camera interview with KOIN. I say no way in he--. If not, in my mind, it will seal the deal.

As for yanking our chain. I really don't think so. Why? Because he starts each visit with his alibi. Remember, we found him, he didn't seek us out. Plus, we have caught him in several lies about his life. He doesn't know that we know more about him than our own families. for instance, that he was arrested for armed robbery, that he was living across the street from the airport at the time of heist, and that he had the same job from 65-71, and then no job.

thanks for all the support and questions.

left

 

[scandi]

WOW So once the lawyer for Channel 6 gives the OK, are they going to ask him to give a live interview on the news? LOL I think you're right and he'll decline. If the deal is then sealed for you, where do you take it from there?

Oh, lawyers take so long to do anything. Don't you wish they'd push a bit? I suppose the rub also lies in the possibility that if he does an interview on TV and inadvertently slips up again, anything he would say would not be able to be used in court since he didn't know ahead of time the questions were being given to him to illicit a response showing he is DB Cooper!

 

[leftcoast]

Scandi: I don't know what is going to happen with KOIN. To me it is a no-brainer, but, they are worried about covering their but. The question I have, is where were their reporters back in 1971, and why didn't they go out and try to find potential suspects. If we found this guy, a news organization could have found him without any problem.


As for an interview, I dont' think he will do an interview with KOIN. However, if he did, and it is recorded, yes, it is admissable in court.IMO

left

 

[scandi]

It was all over the news, as I remember it well. I find it so odd that with this man calling in to the FBI, the call was simply sidcounted as the head investigator didn't think DB could have made that call that quickly.

And then top that off with 6 calls coming in to LE about the very same person makes me wonder what they were thinking. Was it the FBI that was the lead at that point or the Dept of Justice. I think the FBI is under the Dept of Justice, but they also have a different dept that deals with Federal crimes when a gun is used in the commission of the crime. I really don't know.

 

[leftcoast]

Scandi: the FBI was in charge of this investigation. The lead investigator was a man named Ralph Himmelsbach. He is still alive today, and is about 82 or so years old. I have actually had lunch with him, and several conversations about this case with him. He is a very, very, nice man. I just disagree with his decision not to investigate our suspect. The FBI investigated over 800 suspects, some of whom had never even been known to skydive, some were never even proven to be in Oregon on that day, and yet, he wouldn't look into this guy. Makes you wonder? And no, I don't think he (the FBI agent) was on the take. In my opinion, just tunnel vision. BTW. The lead agent never interviewed any of the witnesses, i.e. the flight attendants, personally. I find that rather odd, and bordering on stupidity. Instead, other agents from other offices interviewed the witnesses.

left

 

[scandi]

Crazy, huh? LE certainly does things differently now, and from what I've read, changes were made right away so the rear stairs couldn't be lowered on that 747.

I did read here that none of the twenties ever made it back to the US Federal Reserve:

http://www.suite101.com/article.cfm/history_of_flight/38415/2

It won't let me take a snippet!

 

[scandi]

I found an age enhanced picture of DB which is interesting. Reading lots of old articles about him, some on which are very interesting. One by a man who thinks he met DB a few years going to court where DB was up for bank robbery. That guy ended up going to a mental institution, so who knows! lol

The article: http://www.customvb.net/u/litd/_Unexplained/dbcooper/dbcooper.shtml


Article by the guy who said he met DB:
http://www.angelfire.com/mi2/putors/

Scandi

ETA: This is interesting. In August of 2005 the FBI were trying to see if
DNA testing would give DB's ID:
http://www.king5.com/localnews/stories/NW_081505WABdbcooperKC.7914aa29.html

 

[scandi]

Hi Adnoid, So some good things did come out of his jump from that plane.

I have read through a lot of stuff on him this afternoon, and found this article quite well done. You know there are always some variations in the story, but most everything is along the same vein:

http://www.aero.com/publications/parachutes/9602/pc0296.htm

This is a copy of the FBI wanted poster. It says he exited with a paper bag! Do you know anything about that leftcoast?

 

[j2mirish]

what is your thought on mcoy being cooper ?



In 1991, Russell Calame, yet another book-writing ex-FBI agent, co-authored "D.B. Cooper: The Real McCoy," which made the case that Cooper and McCoy were the same man. His theory was based on the similar methods of the hijackings, as well as an extrapolation drawn from a key piece of evidence that Cooper left behind on the Northwest jet: the skinny black tie with a mother-of-pearl clasp. The tie was like those worn by McCoy and other male Brigham Young students, and McCoy owned a mother-of-pearl clasp identical to the one left behind by Cooper.
Calame told the Salt Lake Tribune that McCoy "never admitted nor denied he was Cooper." Calame said McCoy was asked directly whether he was Cooper during interrogation following his arrest. According to Calame, McCoy responded, "I don't want to talk to you about it.'' He went to his grave with sealed lips.

 

[leftcoast]

There have been many books, and theories about who Cooper is/was. Not one person who has claimed they know who Cooper is, has been able to actually place their suspect in Oregon on November the 24th, 1971. McCoy was a serious suspect, but, it was determined by the FBI that he was with his National Guard unit in Los Angeles during the time of the heist. All of this is coverd in the radio program.

In addition, the flight attendant stated that McCoy was not Cooper.
However, all of the potential Cooper's, I think McCoy was the best candidate, given his background. But, he was found to be in LA, when check out by the FBI.
Don't forget, the MCCoy case happened only four months after Cooper, so, the FBI investigated extensively, any connection between the two.

left

as for the paper bag, I did hear that. Have no idea what was in the paper bag, could be a pistol, radio. etc.

 

[scandi]

lol You think that paper bag would go sailing, wouldn't you. I read the winds were 100 mph and the temp 7 degrees below - he jumped in the middle of a thunderstorm.

I wonder if the tie and pearl tie clasp he left behind were given by the Morman church in recognition of some step attained by the individual. They all go on a mission early in life, and that would be an appropriate time to give something like this. Do you know leftcoast if he is or was a Morman?

 

[j2mirish]

Scandi: the FBI was in charge of this investigation. The lead investigator was a man named Ralph Himmelsbach. He is still alive today, and is about 82 or so years old. I have actually had lunch with him, and several conversations about this case with him. He is a very, very, nice man. I just disagree with his decision not to investigate our suspect. The FBI investigated over 800 suspects, some of whom had never even been known to skydive, some were never even proven to be in Oregon on that day, and yet, he wouldn't look into this guy. Makes you wonder? And no, I don't think he (the FBI agent) was on the take. In my opinion, just tunnel vision. BTW. The lead agent never interviewed any of the witnesses, i.e. the flight attendants, personally. I find that rather odd, and bordering on stupidity. Instead, other agents from other offices interviewed the witnesses.


left

was your man ever a supect. or do you mean you disagree that he wont investigate him now?

 

[leftcoast]

J2: I disagree that they didn't investigate him back in 1971. Which is a fact.

Scandi: Don't believe everything you read. The winds were not 100mph that night. It was a stormy night, and the outside temperature was about 43 degrees, and it was windy. That is why Cooper chose the chute that he jumped with. Because that chute was made stronger, could be used for low level jumps as that chute was intended for fighter pilots who needed to eject at low altitudes and at high speeds. As such, the canopy was built stronger than the sky diver's model, and the canopy opened much faster, and was less likely to rip. Another thing, when it is windy, you don't want to open at higher altitudes and risk the wind blowing you around. One thing I know for a fact, Cooper knew what he was doing. If not, he would have been found the next day hanging from a tree, or on the ground with a few broken bones and a dead body.

left

AS for that tie. It was a common tie and tie clasp. It was not just a tie made for only Mormons. Some of these people have a tendency to stretch the truth to make their suspects look better. The guy who wrote that book never worked on the Cooper case. He is also interviewed on Steverinehart's website. Judge for yourself.

You really need to listen to the radio interview. It explains why I believe Cooper is not McCoy. I put a lot of time researching before I did that show.

ps Look at the pictures of Cooper's plane on the ground in Seattle. There was some evidence of rain on the ground, but, it was not raining while that picture was taken. It was a typical November night here in the great northwest.

 

[j2mirish]

I didnt attempt the interview, because Scandi was having trouble-

I dont beleve everything I read- I just thought the mcoy thing, with the time frame, and the tie/clasp was interesting-

how did you become interested in this? ( sorry if in your interview) and how long have you worked on it ? I am assuming you are a nw resident, where did you come across your guy?

 

[leftcoast]

J2: Don't get me wrong. McCoy is/was an excellent suspect. If I was an FBI agent assigned to the Cooper case, I would have been all over it. the thing is, the FBI was all over it. They investigated the heck out of Mccoy. THen, they had 100% proof that he was in L.A. that day with his national guard unit. There are about 30 reasons why I don't think it was Mccoy. Those are the main ones. Plus, the flight attendant said it wasn't him, just four months later. Plus, McCoy never ordered a drink on his hijacking, Cooper drank two bourbons. There are a ton of other differences as well. It just irritates the heck out of me when a retired FBI agent writes a book about a case he never worked on and states things that are not true.. Russ Calame was the head of the Salt Lake city FBI. He was the boss of the office. He never worked on the Cooper case, and he knows Mccoy was investigated fully. In addition, the author of that book were sued by Mccoys widow for saying inflammatory things about Mccoy's wife in the book. They settled out of court.

left.

We have worked on the case as a hobby since 2000. We came across our suspect while talking to other skydivers.

 

[j2mirish]

J2: Don't get me wrong. McCoy is/was an excellent suspect. If I was an FBI agent assigned to the Cooper case, I would have been all over it. the thing is, the FBI was all over it. They investigated the heck out of Mccoy. THen, they had 100% proof that he was in L.A. that day with his national guard unit. There are about 30 reasons why I don't think it was Mccoy. Those are the main ones. Plus, the flight attendant said it wasn't him, just four months later. Plus, McCoy never ordered a drink on his hijacking, Cooper drank two bourbons. There are a ton of other differences as well. It just irritates the heck out of me when a retired FBI agent writes a book about a case he never worked on and states things that are not true.. Russ Calame was the head of the Salt Lake city FBI. He was the boss of the office. He never worked on the Cooper case, and he knows Mccoy was investigated fully. In addition, the author of that book were sued by Mccoys widow for saying inflammatory things about Mccoy's wife in the book. They settled out of court.

left.

We have worked on the case as a hobby since 2000. We came across our suspect while talking to other skydivers.

6 years is a long time- and do I remember you saying you have actually talked to him 4 times?? most definalty understand , and agree-- ( bold underlifned part) I also knew of the suit by mccoys wife- interesting- settled out of court=