Podcast Summary: "The Mystery of DB Cooper: The Parachute that Doesn't Hold Air"

Release Date: December 3, 2024
Podcast: Murder Sheet
Hosts: Áine Cain and Kevin Greenlee

Introduction to the DB Cooper Case

In this episode of Murder Sheet, hosts Áine Cain and Kevin Greenlee delve into the enduring mystery of D.B. Cooper, the unidentified man who hijacked a plane in 1971, extorted ransom money, and parachuted into obscurity. Despite decades of investigation, Cooper's identity and fate remain elusive, fueling numerous theories and speculations.

Kevin Greenlee opens the discussion by recapping the infamous hijacking:
"Back in 1971, a man now known as D.B. Cooper hijacked a plane, demanded ransom money, and then parachuted into darkness, never to be seen or heard from again."
(Timestamp: [01:42])

Recent Theories and Claims

The podcast explores a contemporary theory proposed by YouTuber Dan Greider, who suggests that Richard Floyd McCoy, a convicted skyjacker, might be D.B. Cooper. Greider asserts that McCoy and his family have discovered the parachute Cooper used during the hijacking, reigniting interest and debate around Cooper's true identity.

Áine Cain introduces the new development:
"Perhaps you saw media coverage of it over the holiday weekend. A YouTuber named Dan Greider has publicized some claims made by the family of the late Richard Floyd McCoy."
(Timestamp: [01:59])

Expert Insights: Interview with Eric Ulis

To scrutinize these claims, the hosts interview Eric Ulis, a seasoned expert on the DB Cooper case. Ulis provides a comprehensive analysis, challenging the notion that McCoy is Cooper.

McCoy's Resemblance and Prior Activities

Ulis acknowledges the similarities between McCoy and the Cooper sketch but highlights critical discrepancies:
"McCoy resembles the sketch made of Cooper, and he later actually hijacked another plane."
(Timestamp: [01:59])

However, he counters that the FBI previously investigated McCoy and dismissed him as a suspect based on multiple factors, including eyewitness testimonies and McCoy's actions post-hijacking.

Ulis elaborates:
"There were about four or five primary witnesses, and all of them said he was definitely not DB Cooper. Additionally, McCoy was only 28 at the time, whereas Cooper was estimated to be around 50."
(Timestamp: [08:21])

Discrepancies in Parachute Evidence

A significant portion of the discussion centers on the parachutes provided to Cooper. Ulis explains the types of parachutes used and how the purported discovery of a parachute linked to McCoy does not align with the evidence from the original hijacking.

Ulis details:
"The parachutes found recently are completely different from those handed over to Cooper. The discovered parachute is an Air Force B4 rig, which does not match the Navy NB6 or NB8 rigs Cooper was given."
(Timestamp: [24:02])

Analyzing the Parachute Evidence

The crux of Greider's claim hinges on the discovery of a parachute allegedly used by Cooper. Ulis methodically dissects this assertion, emphasizing the lack of tangible evidence connecting the parachute to the original hijacking.

Ulis asserts:
"There is zero evidence that the parachute found belongs to DB Cooper. It's akin to claiming the getaway car in a bank robbery was found, only to discover it's an entirely different model."
(Timestamp: [24:02])

Furthermore, he highlights procedural inconsistencies and the implausibility of such a discovery after five decades.

Credibility and Motivations Behind Recent Claims

Ulis scrutinizes the credibility of Dan Greider and the McCoy family's claims, suggesting potential biases and lack of objective evidence.

Ulis comments on Greider:
"Dan Greider's tactics are questionable, and based on my dealings with him, I don't find him trustworthy in this context."
(Timestamp: [28:32])

He also touches upon the emotional motivations of McCoy's family members, who may wish to see their father as Cooper despite the lack of conclusive evidence.

Media Sensationalism and Public Fascination

The episode critiques the media's role in amplifying such theories, often prioritizing sensational headlines over factual accuracy.

Ulis explains:
"The media can easily sensationalize stories like this, especially on significant anniversaries, fueling public interest despite the evidence being easily disprovable."
(Timestamp: [26:39])

He underscores the importance of critical thinking and reliance on verified information when evaluating new claims in cold cases.

The Future of the DB Cooper Investigation

Looking ahead, Ulis expresses hope for advancements in forensic technology that might finally unearth Cooper's identity. He mentions ongoing efforts to obtain and analyze DNA evidence from Cooper's tie, which could potentially provide breakthroughs.

Ulis shares:
"The evidence from the tie doesn't lie. With modern DNA testing, there's a possibility to finally solve this case if the FBI cooperates with impartial investigators."
(Timestamp: [31:21])

He criticizes the FBI for withholding certain evidence and not fully utilizing available forensic tools, suggesting institutional barriers to resolving the mystery.

Concluding Insights

The episode wraps up with Ulis emphasizing the necessity of objective analysis in true crime investigations. He encourages listeners to remain skeptical of unverified claims and to support evidence-based approaches in solving enduring mysteries like that of D.B. Cooper.

Ulis concludes:
"I want to know who the real guy was. I'm not interested in the fake DB Cooper. That's my guiding principle."
(Timestamp: [35:36])

Key Takeaways

• Richard Floyd McCoy as D.B. Cooper: The theory lacks substantial evidence and is contradicted by eyewitness accounts and forensic data.

• Parachute Evidence: Recent claims about a discovered parachute are unfounded, with clear differences from the original equipment used by Cooper.

• Media Influence: Sensational media coverage can distort public perception, emphasizing the need for critical evaluation of new information.

• Forensic Advancements: Ongoing DNA analysis holds potential for finally solving the DB Cooper case, contingent on cooperation from investigative authorities.

Notable Quotes:

• "The tie doesn't lie. The evidence from the tie doesn't lie, and the evidence doesn't have an agenda."
  — Eric Ulis
  (Timestamp: [31:21])

• "This parachute just doesn't hold air."
  — Eric Ulis
  (Timestamp: [37:11])

• "The FBI did its due diligence... but they just simply weren't the person."
  — Eric Ulis
  (Timestamp: [10:35])

For those intrigued by unresolved true crime cases and investigative journalism, this episode of Murder Sheet offers a meticulous examination of the latest developments in the D.B. Cooper mystery, anchored by expert insights and a critical lens on emerging theories.