In 2016, the FBI stated that the investigation into the infamous DB Cooper case was closed. However, in 2023, reports emerged that they had collected ‘evidence’ from two siblings claiming their father was the elusive hijacker.
DB Cooper’s hijacking of a plane has intrigued people globally over the years, as many remain fascinated by the mystery surrounding his true identity.
For those unfamiliar, a man using what is believed to be the alias Dan Cooper threatened to detonate a bomb unless his demands were fulfilled.
On November 24, 1971, Cooper purchased a ticket for Northwest Orient Airlines Flight 305 and demanded $200,000 in $20 bills, an amount equivalent to approximately $1.54 million in 2024.
Additionally, he requested four parachutes.
This event has become legendary, inspiring numerous TV shows and true crime documentaries.
Notably, Cooper is believed to have pulled off the heist. After landing in Seattle, the plane’s 36 passengers were released in exchange for the ransom, and Cooper ordered the plane to take off again with several crew members, setting a course for Mexico City.
He subsequently parachuted from the aircraft with the ransom money during the night somewhere between Seattle and Reno, Nevada, and has not been seen by authorities since.
Recently, siblings from North Carolina have come forward, claiming their late father was the mysterious hijacker.
In a report by the New York Post, Chanté and Rick McCoy III allege their father, Richard McCoy Jr., was the fugitive, a fact they’ve allegedly known for years.
They delayed coming forward until their mother passed away in 2020, as discussing the matter was a taboo within the family due to fears of their mother being implicated.
They believed she might face legal issues because the parachute purportedly used by Cooper was discovered in her storage.
The siblings consulted with aviation YouTuber Dan Gryder, who pointed out that the parachute was unique and matched the one Cooper used.
Gryder noted that the chute found at their home corresponded with the modified parachute prepared by skydiving expert Earl Cossey for the police to hand to Cooper.
In 2023, the FBI reportedly contacted the siblings to examine the evidence, conducted a search of their mother’s residence for additional clues, and obtained a DNA sample from Rick.
FBI agents mentioned that the next step might involve exhuming his father’s body. Nonetheless, the agency has not yet made such a request, having declared the case closed in 2016 due to insufficient leads.