Episode 599: The Kidnapping of Barbara Jane Mackle (Part 2)
Episode 599: The Kidnapping of Barbara Jane Mackle (Part 2)
4Digest
This podcast delves into the captivating true crime story of Barbara McEl's kidnapping and the subsequent trial of her captors, Gary Chris and Ruth Eisman. The hosts, Alena and Ash, discuss the bizarre details of the case, including the motivations behind the kidnapping, the authorities' investigation, and the outcome of the trial. The podcast then takes a surprising turn, exploring the life of Gary Chris after his release from prison. He went on to become a conman doctor, obtaining a probationary license to practice medicine despite his criminal past. However, his fraudulent activities and involvement in drug trafficking ultimately led to his downfall and a lengthy prison sentence. The podcast concludes with the doctor's disappearance from public view after his release in 2015, leaving listeners with a sense of intrigue and unanswered questions.
Outlines
The Barbara Jane Mack Kidnapping: A Shocking True Crime Story
This episode introduces the captivating true crime story of Barbara McEl's kidnapping and the subsequent trial of her captors, Gary Chris and Ruth Eisman. The hosts discuss the bizarre details of the case, including the motivations behind the kidnapping, the authorities' investigation, and the outcome of the trial.
Gary Chris's Transformation: From Kidnapper to Conman Doctor
The podcast explores the surprising life path of Gary Chris after his release from prison. He went on to become a conman doctor, obtaining a probationary license to practice medicine despite his criminal past. The hosts discuss the public's reaction to his parole and the parole board's decision to release him.
The Downfall of a Conman Doctor: Fraud, Drugs, and Disappearance
This chapter details the downfall of the conman doctor, who, despite initial skepticism, was granted a probationary license to practice medicine. Within a year, his license was revoked due to fraudulent activities, including forging his supervisor's name and writing his own supervisory reports. His criminal activities escalated, leading to a raid on his boat where 37 pounds of cocaine were found. He was also involved in human trafficking, smuggling four South Americans into the country. A warrant served at his abandoned Georgia residence revealed a massive underground drug lab, complete with an escape tunnel. This discovery solidified his status as a drug lord. The doctor received a five-year prison sentence for his drug-related crimes. After his release, he violated probation and was sent back to prison. Upon his release in 2015, he disappeared from public view.
Keywords
Sociopath
A person with a personality disorder characterized by a lack of empathy, remorse, and guilt, often engaging in manipulative and antisocial behavior.
Indifference
A lack of interest or concern, often characterized by a detached and apathetic attitude towards the feelings and well-being of others.
Femme Fatale
A seductive and alluring woman who uses her charm and manipulative skills to exploit and ultimately destroy men.
Ransom
A sum of money or other valuable consideration paid to a kidnapper or extortionist in exchange for the release of a captive or the cessation of threats.
Parole
The conditional release of a prisoner from confinement before the completion of their sentence, typically subject to certain conditions and supervision.
Probationary License
A temporary license granted to a professional, such as a doctor or lawyer, allowing them to practice under supervision while meeting certain requirements.
Forgery
The act of creating a fake document or signature with the intent to deceive. It is a serious crime that can result in significant penalties.
Human Trafficking
The illegal trade of human beings for the purpose of exploitation, including forced labor, sexual exploitation, and organ harvesting. It is a serious crime that violates human rights.
Drug Lord
A powerful and influential individual who controls a large-scale drug trafficking operation. They often have significant wealth and influence, and their activities are often associated with violence and corruption.
Underground Drug Lab
A clandestine facility used for the production of illegal drugs. These labs are often hidden in remote locations and are equipped with sophisticated equipment to manufacture and distribute drugs.
Q&A
What was the motivation behind the kidnapping of Barbara McEl?
Gary Chris and Ruth Eisman claimed their motivation was solely financial, seeking to extort money from Barbara's wealthy father. However, the hosts express skepticism about their intentions, suggesting a deeper level of cruelty and indifference.
How did the authorities track down Gary Chris and Ruth Eisman?
The authorities tracked down Gary Chris through a combination of witness accounts, fingerprint analysis, and tracing his movements after he contacted the FBI to provide directions to Barbara's location. Ruth was eventually apprehended after a potential employer ran her fingerprints as part of a background check.
What was the outcome of Gary Chris's trial and Ruth Eisman's plea?
Gary Chris was found guilty of kidnapping and kidnapping for ransom and sentenced to life in prison. Ruth Eisman pleaded guilty to one count of kidnapping and served a seven-year sentence.
How did Barbara McEl cope with her ordeal and what happened to her after the kidnapping?
Barbara McEl coped with her ordeal by focusing on her family and friends, singing to herself, and trying to stay positive. She eventually married her best friend, Stuart Woodward, and they moved back to Florida to start a family.
What was the public's reaction to Gary Chris's parole and what was the parole board's justification for releasing him?
The public was largely outraged by Gary Chris's parole, with many people expressing their concern and disapproval. The parole board justified their decision by claiming that there was no evidence to suggest he was violent or dangerous, and they minimized the severity of his original crime.
What led to the doctor's probationary license being revoked?
The doctor's license was revoked due to his fraudulent activities, including forging his supervisor's name and writing his own supervisory reports.
What was found on the doctor's boat during the raid?
37 pounds of cocaine and four South Americans who had paid the doctor to smuggle them into the country were found on his boat.
What was the significance of the underground drug lab discovered at the doctor's residence?
The discovery of the underground drug lab solidified the doctor's status as a drug lord, demonstrating his involvement in a large-scale drug trafficking operation.
What happened to the doctor after his release from prison in 2015?
After his release in 2015, the doctor disappeared from public view and has not been heard from since.
Show Notes
In the early morning hours of December 17, 1968, two gunmen burst into the Atlanta motel room of Barbara Jane Mackle and her mother, Jane. After tying up and chloroforming Jane Mackle, the two kidnapped Barbara, forcing her into their car at gunpoint. Later that day, a family friend received a call at the Mackle home in Florida, instructing them to look in the northwest corner of the Mackle’s yard, where they would find a ransom note with details about how to ensure their daughter’s safe return.
Once the note was unearthed, the Mackle’s learned their daughter had been placed inside a box and buried in the ground in a remote location. She has enough food, water, and air to survive for a few days, but if the family doesn’t act quickly, there’s a good chance Barbara will die
The kidnapping of Barbara Jane Mackle was an elaborately planned, well-executed crime that quickly dominated local and national headlines, which was no small feat in a year of major social upheaval. By the 1960s, kidnapping for ransom was a familiar concept, but to be kidnapped and buried alive was a terrifying thought that shook Americans to their core and left everyone wondering, what kind of person could do such a thing?
Thank you to the incredible Dave White of Bring Me The Axe Podcast for research and writing support!
References
Associated Press. 1968. "Kidnapped college girl found safe in box underground." Los Angeles Times, December 21: 1.
—. 1968. "Mackle kidnapping suspect capturted; $480,000 recovered." Los Angeles Times, December 22: 1.
—. 1968. "Kidnapped girl tells of ordeal of 83 hours entombed in box." New York Times, December 29: 44.
—. 1968. "Kidnapped girl, buried alive, is freed." New York Times, December 21: 1.
Atlanta Constitution. 1968. "80-hour burial ends in rescue." Atlanta Constitution, December 21: 1.
—. 1968. "Motel coed kidnapped here spurs nationwide alert for 2." Atlanta Constitution, December 18: 1.
Foreman, Laura. 1968. "Campus silent about the girl." Atlanta Constitution, December 18: 1.
Gary Steven Krist v. State of Georgia. 1970. 227 Ga. 85 (Ga. 1970) (Supreme Court of Georgia, December 3).
Markowitz, Arnold. 1969. "Plea of Innocent entered for Krist." Miami Herald, March 8: 1.
Miami Herald. 1969. "Krist collapses; is being force-fed." Miami Herald, April 25: 4.
—. 1969. "'Superiority' goes to jail." Miami Herald, May 28: 3.
—. 1969. "Who's villain of kidnap case?" Miami Herald, March 9: 19.
Miller, Gene. 1969. "Krist gets life in prison avter jury grants mercy." Miami Herald, May 27: 1.
—. 1969. "'Life imprisonment worse than death'." Miami Herald, May 27: 16.
Miller, Gene, and Barbara Mackle. 1971. Eighty-Three Hours till Dawn. New York, NY: Doubleday.
Murray, Frank. 1968. "Researcher and 2 sought in kidnap." Atlanta Constitution, December 20: 1.
New York Times. 1968. "Ransom pickup inadvertently foiled by Miami police." New York Times, December 20.
Raines, Howell. 1979. "Parole of a kidnapper angers Atlanta." New York Times, May 14: A14.
Sosin, Milt. 1969. "FBI hunts Ruth's 'flight pal'." Miami News, March 6: 1.
—. 1969. "Ruth: Everyone is against me." Miami News, March 7: 1.
United Press International. 1968. "Gunman and 'boy' kidnapp 20-year-old coed, Florida millionaire's daughter." New York Times, December 18: 25.
Vissar, Steve. 2006. "The strange odyssey of Gary Krist; From kidnapper to prisoner to doctor to alleged drug smuggler." Atlanta Journal-Constitution, March 19.
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