Could Richard McCoy Jr. Be D.B. Cooper? New Evidence Could Solve the 1971 Hijacking Mystery.

The mystery of D.B. Cooper, the hijacker who pulled off a daring heist in 1971, has captivated the public for decades. Despite numerous theories and investigations, his true identity remains unknown—until now, possibly. Recent developments have reignited interest in the case, with the children of convicted hijacker Richard McCoy II offering a compelling theory: could their father be the infamous D.B. Cooper?

Dan Cooper

The identity of D.B. Cooper, the hijacker who vanished after a daring heist in 1971, has baffled investigators for over five decades. Recent developments, however, may finally provide answers. The children of convicted hijacker Richard McCoy, Jr. have presented new evidence suggesting their father could be Cooper.

A modified parachute discovered on the McCoy family property, along with key ties to both hijackings, has led the FBI to reopen the investigation. Could this new evidence solve one of the most famous unsolved mysteries in American criminal history?

The McCoy Family’s Theory

Richard McCoy Jr. was convicted in 1972 for a remarkably similar hijacking, involving a parachute jump, just months after the Cooper incident. His children, Chanté and Richard McCoy III (Rick), have long speculated that their father could have been the infamous Cooper.

They believe that the evidence points in that direction, and they may now have the proof to back up their theory.

For years, the McCoy family kept their suspicions private, partly due to their mother, Karen, whom they suspected might have been involved in both incidents. However, after both parents' deaths, Chanté and Rick have come forward with new evidence that could crack open the case.

The Discovery of New Evidence

Chanté and Rick, along with amateur investigator Dan Gryder, believe they have found the missing piece of the puzzle: a modified parachute they suspect was used in Cooper's escape. Gryder, who has spent years investigating the D.B. Cooper case, described the parachute as "literally one in a billion." This discovery has led to a fresh push from the FBI to re-examine the case, something that has not occurred since 2016.

Money recovered in 1980 ( Photo: FBI )

The FBI has now acquired the parachute, along with a skydiving logbook and a harness from the McCoy family property in North Carolina. The logbook, according to Chanté, shows evidence linking the parachute to the locations of both hijackings, Oregon and Utah—critical sites in the Cooper and McCoy incidents.

FBI's Involvement

This new evidence prompted the FBI to take action, with a follow-up investigation that included a four-hour search of the family property by over a dozen agents. The parachute's unique modifications may prove crucial to understanding its role in Cooper's escape. It's worth noting that Earl Cossey, an experienced skydiver who worked with the FBI on the Cooper case, was known to have modified the original parachutes, and his insights could be critical in evaluating this new evidence.

The canvas bag that held one of the parachutes given to D.B. Cooper in 1971. Cooper requested four chutes, used two (including one sewn shut for instruction), and used the cord from a third parachute to tie the stolen money bag. (Photo: FBI)

The FBI has acknowledged the importance of this new discovery, especially given that the original investigation into D.B. Cooper's identity had stalled. The renewed interest in the case could potentially lead to a breakthrough that finally solves the mystery after more than 50 years.

The D.B. Cooper Case: A Legendary Mystery

One of the most fascinating facts about the D.B. Cooper case is the sheer mystery surrounding his disappearance after the hijacking. After extorting $200,000 in ransom and parachuting from the plane over the rugged wilderness of Washington state on November 24, 1971, Cooper vanished without a trace. Despite an extensive manhunt and years of investigation, no conclusive evidence of his identity, whereabouts, or survival was ever found.

What makes it even more intriguing is that Cooper's jump from the plane, with little more than a briefcase and a parachute, remains one of the most daring and successful escapes in criminal history. To this day, the mystery of his identity and fate captivates the public and continues to fuel theories, with many wondering if he survived the jump, and if so, how he managed to evade capture.

During the hijacking, Cooper wore this black J.C. Penney tie, which he removed before jumping. It later provided a key DNA sample. (Photo: FBI)

The only tangible evidence left by Cooper was a $1.49 clip-on tie, currently in the possession of the FBI, but attempts to extract usable DNA from it have proven unsuccessful. However, the newly discovered parachute could be the key that finally links McCoy to the crime and puts an end to the speculation.

Richard McCoy: A Prime Suspect?

While McCoy’s children have long believed their father could be D.B. Cooper, many in law enforcement initially dismissed him as a suspect. McCoy, who was 27 years old at the time of Cooper's hijacking, did not fit the physical description of Cooper, who was believed to be in his 40s. However, McCoy's own hijacking in 1972—a hijacking involving a parachute and a ransom demand of $500,000—shows he had the skills and audacity to execute a similar crime.

Despite his conviction, McCoy's history raises questions. In 1974, McCoy was shot and killed by police after escaping from a maximum-security prison. His brief but notorious criminal career included several high-profile hijackings and escapes, making him a plausible suspect for the Cooper hijacking.

The Parachute and the Future of the Investigation

The discovery of the modified parachute offers the most promising new evidence in the D.B. Cooper case in years. According to Gryder, this parachute will "definitely prove it was McCoy." The new investigation could change the course of the case, and if the parachute is linked to McCoy, it could be the breakthrough the FBI has been waiting for.

As the investigation continues, Chanté and Rick McCoy’s theory may provide the key to unraveling one of the most enduring mysteries in criminal history.

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