Episode 597: The Kidnapping of Barbara Jane Mackle
In 1967, college student Barbara Jane Mackle was kidnapped from an Atlanta motel while recovering from the flu under her mother Jane's care. Her father, wealthy businessman Robert Mackle, received a harrowing ransom note demanding $500,000 and had to follow strict instructions to deliver the money.
Barbara endured a psychologically traumatic ordeal, imprisoned in an underground box with limited supplies. Meanwhile, the investigation into her kidnappers, including George Deacon, relied on key evidence like Polaroid photos from their vehicle. This episode of the Morbid podcast explores the twists and turns of Barbara's harrowing experience as well as the investigation and dramatic ransom exchanges.
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1-Page Summary
Barbara Mackel's Kidnapping
In December 1967, flu-ridden Barbara Mackel, an Emory University student, was kidnapped from an Atlanta motel room where she was recovering under her mother Jane's care. Jane was staying with Barbara due to her illness, and the kidnappers gained entry by trick, tying up Jane while abducting Barbara.
The Ransom Demands
The kidnappers left a three-page ransom note buried in the Mackels' Miami yard demanding $500,000 in $20 bills with strict conditions. Robert Mackel complied, but the first ransom drop was disrupted by police. The kidnappers allowed a second attempt, with Robert following extremely controlled instructions to deliver the money alone.
Barbara's Ordeal
Barbara was imprisoned in an underground box with limited air, food and water. She contemplated hastening her death but ultimately maintained hope for release upon ransom payment. Her captivity was psychologically harrowing, driving her to cope through strategies like singing to preserve sanity.
Investigation Details
As a wealthy, politically connected man, Robert Mackel asserted control over the case, even directing law enforcement per Sanger-Katz. The FBI took over after local police disrupted the first ransom drop, and Barbara's friends protected the family's privacy.
Polaroid photos from the kidnappers' vehicle were key evidence, including images suggesting Barbara's unconscious state and the lead suspect George Deacon. Other incriminating items like rope and a ski mask were also found.
1-Page Summary
Additional Materials
Actionables
- You can enhance personal safety awareness by creating a safety protocol for yourself and your family in case of emergencies, including a designated meeting spot, a communication plan, and a list of essential items to have on hand.
- This strategy is about being prepared for unexpected situations. For example, you might establish a code word that signals distress, keep a small emergency kit in your car or home, and ensure everyone knows how to contact each other if separated.
- Develop your mental resilience by practicing stress management techniques like mindfulness, journaling, or singing, which can be useful in high-pressure situations.
- Building mental strength can help you cope with challenging circumstances. Start with daily mindfulness exercises, write about your feelings and experiences to process them, or use singing as a way to release tension and maintain a positive mindset.
- Cultivate observational skills by playing "spot the difference" games in everyday life, such as noticing changes in your environment or identifying details in photos, to sharpen your attention to detail.
- This can be as simple as observing the differences in your colleague's attire from day to day or trying to memorize and then recall specific details from a scene in a movie. These exercises train your brain to notice subtle changes, which could be crucial in identifying evidence or recalling important information in critical situations.
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The details and circumstances of Barbara Mackel's kidnapping
In 1967, a flu-ridden Barbara Mackel, an Emory University student, was looking forward to Christmas break, unaware of the dire events that were to unfold.
Barbara Mackel was an Emory University student looking forward to Christmas break when she fell ill with the flu
Barbara developed a severe cold that escalated to the flu. Despite feeling very unwell and being told to rest after a long wait at the infirmary, she was determined to take her history exam and tried to act normally, dismissing her fever and discomfort. Robert Mackel, Barbara's father, was concerned for his daughter's health and considered bringing her home to Miami but Barbara insisted on staying at Emory to complete all her exams before the holiday break began. Unable to get a spot in the full infirmary, Barbara's mother, Jane, flew from Miami to Atlanta to care for her. Jane took the first nonstop flight available, and upon arrival, the two checked into a motel where Jane could monitor Barbara's ongoing fever and aid her recovery so she could focus on her studies and upcoming exams.
Jane Mackel traveled to Atlanta to care for her sick daughter at a motel, where the kidnapping took place
Jane Mackel was staying at a motel with Barbara and received a phone call from a stranger claiming to have a registered letter for her daughter. The fact that the caller knew their motel location—a detail only a few should have known—raised concerns. Earlier in the week, Barbara had expressed to Jane her annoyance about a classmate who had borrowed her notes and failed to return them. That evening, Jane and Barbara fell asleep, but Jane woke to a knock on the door and found intruders who kidnapped Barbara and left Jane tied up. Initially, Jane Mackel thought they had been robbed, but upon realizing that her purse and other items were untouched, she understood that the kidnappers had speci ...
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The details and circumstances of Barbara Mackel's kidnapping
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Actionables
- You can enhance personal safety by creating a check-in routine with family or friends when traveling or staying alone, ensuring someone always knows your whereabouts and can raise the alarm if you don't report in as expected.
- This means setting up a simple system where you text or call at predetermined times, especially when you're in a new or potentially vulnerable situation. For example, if you're staying at a hotel alone, you might agree to text a friend every evening with a simple message or code word that indicates you're okay.
- Develop a critical thinking habit by analyzing news stories or fictional scenarios for potential risks and planning how you would respond in those situations.
- This involves regularly taking a few minutes to think through "what if" scenarios after reading an article or watching a movie. For instance, if you read about a natural disaster, take the time to plan out your own emergency response, such as where you would seek shelter or how you would communicate with loved ones.
- Increase your awareness of your s ...
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The ransom demands and exchange process orchestrated by the kidnappers
In a tense and intricate criminal operation, the kidnappers of Barbara Mackel orchestrated a detailed ransom demand and exchange process, which involved a series of instructions, specified bills, and careful monitoring.
The kidnappers left a detailed, three-page ransom note buried on the Mackel family's property in Miami
The FBI agents and the Mackels' gardener discovered a ransom note intended for Robert Mackel, hidden beneath the Phoenix palms in the Mackel's yard inside a broken laboratory beaker. The note, which was a three-page document, revealed that Barbara was kidnapped, alive but uncomfortable, and held inside a small capsule buried in a remote location. Initially, there was no proof of Barbara's kidnapping other than the kidnappers' promise to send proof by mail within a few days.
The note demanded $500,000 (equivalent to $4.5 million today) in small, non-sequential $20 bills, and provided specific instructions for the delivery
The note meticulously demanded $500,000 in recently issued $20 bills, with no more than 10 notes having consecutive serial numbers. It stipulated that the money should fill no more than 4,000 cubic inches, be delivered in a standard suitcase whose dimensions were precisely given, and undergo a minimum of eight hours of examination for each bill. Robert Mackel managed to meet these demands, preparing the ransom by December 18th, which complied with the kidnappers' specific conditions regarding non-sequential serial numbers and new twenties.
The kidnappers instructed Robert to place an ad in Miami newspapers with a specific message that would trigger further instructions for the ransom exchange.
The kidnappers gave Robert Mackel a second chance to deliver the ransom, this time successfully, after the first attempt was disrupted
The initial ransom exchange was disrupted due to local police interference and complications at the drop site. In this fraught situation, with his daughter's life in jeopardy, Robert followed a plan that involved him being tailed by unmarked law enforcement vehicles. At the Causeway area, Robert lost his way, endangering the operation's deadline. With help from a fisher ...
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The ransom demands and exchange process orchestrated by the kidnappers
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Actionables
- You can enhance your problem-solving skills by creating a scavenger hunt that mimics a complex situation requiring detailed instructions and precise execution. Start by writing a set of intricate rules and steps that participants must follow to reach the end goal, similar to how the kidnappers provided detailed instructions. This activity can be done with friends or family and will train you to think critically and follow detailed guidelines, which can be beneficial in both personal and professional settings.
- Improve your negotiation techniques by role-playing scenarios where you must adhere to strict terms and conditions. Partner with a friend or colleague to simulate a negotiation where one party sets specific demands, like the kidnappers did, and the other must work within those constraints to reach a satisfactory outcome. This exercise can help you develop skills in compromise, communication, and strategic thinking.
- Develop your attention to detail by engaging in a creative writing exercise where you ...
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Barbara's experience and psychological state during her captivity
Barbara Mackel's ordeal of being held captive in a small, subterranean box is indeed a chilling tale of survival and the resilience of the human spirit.
Barbara was held in a small, coffin-like box buried in a remote location, with limited food, water, and air supply
Barbara Mackel was imprisoned in an underground box, designed with two pipes presumably connecting to the surface, suggesting little chance of accidental discovery or escape. The kidnappers boasted that the container was waterproof and durable, being made of fiberglass reinforced plywood. Within this grim enclosure, Barbara had access to limited resources: food and water intended to last seven days, and a life support system with batteries set to deplete at the same time, which would result in the air supply being cut.
Inside her claustrophobic confines, she had just a small quantity of food within reach, and a bottle of water connected to a long straw. This water, however, was later found to have been drugged to keep her subdued. An exhaust fan supplied air, and a single light bulb provided illumination, but their power was serially connected—hence, when one functioned, the other would not.
Barbara was convinced she would die in the box and contemplated turning off the air supply to end her suffering
During this horrific ordeal, Barbara grappled with despair and thoughts of her own mortality. Contemplating a switch to shut off the fan, which would hasten the end she believed inevitable, she was tormented by the stark prospect of perishing within the confined space.
Yet, within this dark echo chamber, Barbara fought to preserve her sanity. She engaged in anything that could divert her attention from the dreadful situation. Singing Christmas carols, counting incessantly, and unremitting self-talk became her coping mechanisms—strategies to fend off panic and to hold onto the thin threads of hope.
When the bulb flickered and succumbed to darkness, hysteria gripped her. Barbara, who had been thrust into aby ...
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Barbara's experience and psychological state during her captivity
Additional Materials
Actionables
- You can enhance your mental resilience by practicing stress inoculation through controlled exposure to uncomfortable situations, like taking cold showers or fasting for a day, to build tolerance and coping strategies for when you face real-life challenges.
- This method works by gradually increasing your comfort with discomfort, allowing you to develop mental fortitude. For example, start with a 30-second cold shower and increase the duration over time, or skip a meal and notice how you deal with the hunger, using positive self-talk to push through.
- Develop a personal crisis management plan by identifying potential stressors in your life and outlining specific coping mechanisms for each, such as deep breathing exercises for anxiety or a list of people to call when feeling overwhelmed.
- This proactive approach ensures you have a toolkit ready for difficult times. For instance, if you're anxious about public speaking, your plan might include practicing deep breathing before taking the stage or visualizing a successful speech to boost confidence.
- Cultivate hope and optimism by starting a daily journal where you write down ...
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The response and involvement of Barbara's family and law enforcement
Robert Mackel's high-level political and law enforcement connections allowed him to take control of the investigation
Robert Mackel, a wealthy real estate developer with powerful political connections including a friendship with FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover, exerted substantial control over the case due to his status. Upon his arrival, the family felt they were being treated like they did something wrong until Robert Mackel arrived. His influence was so significant that he instructed law enforcement to cooperate with the kidnappers' instructions and none of the agents argued with him or attempted to interfere.
The FBI took over the case from the local police, who had inadvertently interfered with the first ransom exchange
The local police, initially involved in the case, were seen as interfering when they inadvertently disrupted the first ransom attempt. Officers Walter Bayer and S.L. Baumgrass had arrived at the crime scene following Jane Mackel's report of her daughter's kidnapping. Jane, who appeared panicked and in pain, waited with family friend Stuart Woodward for her husband Robert to arrive from Miami. They felt the detectives were suspicious of their story. After the botched ransom drop, orchestrated by Robert's instructions, the FBI took over the investigation, ensuring that local authorities were informed about subsequent attempts to prevent further disruptions.
Barbara's friends and classmates at Emory University ...
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The response and involvement of Barbara's family and law enforcement
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Counterarguments
- Robert Mackel's influence over the investigation could be seen as undermining the standard procedures and protocols of law enforcement, potentially compromising the integrity of the investigation.
- Allowing a private individual to direct law enforcement could set a precedent that undermines the principle of equality before the law, suggesting that those with connections can manipulate justice to their advantage.
- The FBI's takeover from local police might be criticized for potentially disregarding the expertise and knowledge of local law enforcement who are more familiar wi ...
Actionables
- You can enhance your problem-solving skills by practicing coordination with different groups in simulated crisis scenarios. For example, create a role-playing game where each participant assumes a role in a complex situation, such as a community leader, law enforcement officer, or a member of the media. The goal is to navigate a fictional crisis, like a natural disaster, by making decisions that require intergroup communication and cooperation, mirroring the coordination described in the podcast.
- Develop a personal policy for handling sensitive information by role-playing scenarios where privacy is crucial. Gather a group of friends and create a mock situation where one person's privacy is at stake, such as a pretend medical diagnosis. Practice respecting their privacy by refusing to share information with others, reinforcing the importance of discretion in delicate situat ...
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Clues and evidence gathered by investigators that helped uncover the kidnappers' identity
Investigators pieced together critical evidence that pointed to the identity of kidnapper George Deacon, including Polaroid photos and various incriminating items found in his vehicle.
Polaroid photos found in the kidnappers' car provided crucial evidence, including a photo of a seemingly unconscious Barbara
Inside the Volvo believed to belong to George Deacon, detectives found a stack of Polaroid photographs. Among these was a disturbing image of Barbara Mackle appearing unconscious on the ground with a sign reading "kidnapped" placed under her chin. Initially, the strange look on Barbara's face led agents to fear she might be dead.
The photos also depicted the lead suspect, George Deacon, in compromising and suspicious situations
The collection of photos included various provocative shots with George Deacon and an unknown young woman. The set of Polaroids suggested a missing photo, as the cartridge typically produces eight pictures and only seven were discovered. This indicated to the investigators that there might be additional evidence out there.
The discovery of these photographs provided the investigators with a crucial piece of the puzzle, revealing George Deacon's connection to the ransom and the kidnapping of Barbara.
Investigators discovered additional incriminating evidence, such as a ski mask and other items, in the kidnappers' vehicle
Further examining Deacon's vehicle with Massachusetts plates, police discovered an assortment of incriminating items. They found r ...
Here’s what you’ll find in our full summary
Clues and evidence gathered by investigators that helped uncover the kidnappers' identity
Additional Materials
Actionables
- You can enhance your observational skills by creating a photo narrative. Take a series of photographs that tell a story, paying attention to details that could imply a larger narrative, much like the Polaroids suggested a sequence of events. This exercise can sharpen your ability to notice subtle details and piece together information from visual cues.
- Develop your analytical thinking by playing detective games. Use board games or mobile apps that require you to gather clues and solve a mystery. This can improve your critical thinking and ability to connect disparate pieces of evidence, similar to how investigators pieced together items found in Deacon's vehicle to build a case.
- Practice your research skills ...
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1-Page Summary- The details and circumstances of Barbara Mackel's kidnapping
- The ransom demands and exchange process orchestrated by the kidnappers
- Barbara's experience and psychological state during her captivity
- The response and involvement of Barbara's family and law enforcement
- Clues and evidence gathered by investigators that helped uncover the kidnappers' identity
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