Investigator discovers parachute linked to infamous DB Cooper case
- Amateur investigator Dan Gryder discovered a military-grade parachute rig that he believes was used by DB Cooper while visiting a North Carolina property in July 2022.
- This discovery has prompted renewed interest from the FBI, as it aligns with evidence linking Richard Floyd McCoy to the infamous hijacking for which Cooper is known.
- While the evidence is compelling, FBI agents emphasize the need for solid DNA markers to conclusively solve the case.
The infamous DB Cooper hijacking case remains unsolved, stemming from an incident that occurred on November 24, 1971, when DB Cooper commandeered a Boeing 727 at Seattle-Tacoma airport, demanding $500,000 before parachuting from the plane with the cash. Recent developments have surfaced due to the work of amateur investigator Dan Gryder, whose efforts led to a renewed probe by the FBI. In July 2022, during a visit to a property owned by the McCoy family in North Carolina, Gryder discovered what he claimed is Cooper’s parachute and rig. This discovery was monumental, igniting fresh interest in the case because it self-proclaimed links to Richard Floyd McCoy, a suspect in both the Utah hijacking and the Cooper case. Along with the parachute, a logbook was found that aligned with both hijackings—one involving Cooper over Oregon and another for which McCoy was convicted several months later. This evidence raised eyebrows, especially considering that the North Carolina farm belonged to McCoy’s mother, who preserved these items in memory of her son. Further complicating matters, Denise Burns, McCoy’s sister-in-law, initially provided him with an alibi during his trial. However, when Gryder interviewed Burns, she retracted her statement about McCoy and his wife’s whereabouts on the date of Cooper’s hijacking. Despite the compelling nature of these findings, Gryder maintains that the FBI requires solid DNA evidence to conclusively link McCoy to Cooper. He noted that there are DNA markers that superficially line up with expectations but stated that more definitive markers are needed to solidify the connection. There has been considerable drama regarding McCoy's motives as well as the family standpoints. Though he was a family man with responsibilities, circumstances left him with limited choices. Ultimately, Gryder's discovery of the parachute, while intriguing, is seen as circumstantial evidence. The FBI's path remains focused on acquiring undeniable evidence to determine the true identity of DB Cooper. The ongoing investigation draws public attention, often rekindling discussions about one of America's most infamous mysteries. If confirmed, Gryder's findings might finally answer a question that has puzzled both law enforcement and amateur sleuths for decades.