Investigator Says Parachute He Uncovered Proves Identity of ‘D.B. Cooper’

In a recent revelation, retired pilot and YouTuber Dan Gryder claims to have uncovered a parachute that could finally solve the mystery surrounding the infamous D.B. Cooper case. This case has baffled investigators and enthusiasts alike since 1971 when Cooper hijacked a plane, extorted $200,000, and vanished after parachuting away.

Key Takeaways

• Dan Gryder believes he has found the parachute used by D.B. Cooper.
• The parachute was discovered on the property of Richard McCoy Jr., a long-time suspect.
• The FBI has shown interest in the findings, requesting DNA samples from McCoy’s family.

The story of D.B. Cooper is one of the greatest unsolved mysteries in American history. On a fateful day in 1971, Cooper hijacked a commercial flight, demanded a ransom, and then leapt from the plane with the money, never to be seen again. Over the years, numerous leads and tips have surfaced, but none have led to a definitive conclusion about Cooper’s identity.

Dan Gryder, who has spent nearly two decades investigating this case, recently made a significant discovery. He claims that the parachute he found matches the specific modifications described in the original case files. This parachute was located in the possessions of Richard McCoy Jr.’s family, a man who was killed in 1974 after executing a similar hijacking.

The Discovery of the Parachute

Gryder’s journey began with a detailed understanding of the type of parachute used by Cooper. He was searching for a green military parachute that had been highly modified. When he stumbled upon the parachute, he immediately recognized the modifications that set it apart from standard parachutes.

• Key Modifications: Gryder noted that the ripcord housing and other features were distinct, allowing him to identify it as the one used by Cooper.
• Location of Discovery: The parachute was found among McCoy’s mother’s belongings, hidden away for over 50 years.

The Connection to Richard McCoy Jr.

Richard McCoy Jr. has long been a suspect in the D.B. Cooper case. He executed a similar hijacking just months after Cooper’s infamous jump. Gryder believes that the evidence he found could link McCoy directly to the Cooper case.

• Logbook Evidence: Along with the parachute, Gryder discovered McCoy’s logbook, which detailed 39 military jumps and eight practice jumps leading up to the D.B. Cooper incident. This logbook provides a timeline that aligns with the hijacking events.
• Family Secrets: Gryder revealed that McCoy’s children were aware of their parents’ involvement in the hijackings but felt compelled to keep it a secret until their mother passed away.

FBI’s Interest in the Findings

The FBI has taken notice of Gryder’s findings. After he released videos detailing his discoveries, the agency reached out to him for further investigation.

• DNA Testing: The FBI has requested DNA samples from McCoy’s children to establish a solid link between the parachute and McCoy. This step is crucial for closing the case definitively.
• Current Status: All evidence collected by Gryder is currently held at the FBI laboratory in Quantico, where it is being analyzed.

Conclusion

The mystery of D.B. Cooper may finally be on the verge of resolution. With Dan Gryder’s discovery of the parachute and the potential DNA evidence linking Richard McCoy Jr. to the case, the long-standing enigma could soon be unraveled. As the investigation continues, many are left wondering if we will soon know the true identity of one of America’s most notorious hijackers.