- Sherri Papini, who carried out a plan resembling the storyline in the book “Gone Girl,” was granted parole on August 16, 2023.
- Papini, 41, admitted to mail fraud and providing false information to federal officials.
On August 16, 2023, Sherri Papini—a California mother who in 2016 pretended to be kidnapped—was freed from jail after completing half of her 18-month term.
Papini, 41, admitted to mail fraud and providing false information to federal officials and was given a sentence of 18 months in prison in November 2022. She also had to make reparation payments of $30,000.
On November 2, 2016, while jogging, Papini vanished from her Redding, California, neighbourhood. She was discovered by the side of the road heading, with injuries she said were caused by the two Hispanic women who had abducted her, 22 days later, on Thanksgiving Day..
However, an investigation by the FBI later determined that Papini had fabricated her story. She had actually been staying with her ex-boyfriend, James Reyes, in Southern California during the time she was supposedly missing.
Papini’s hoax captivated the nation and led to a massive manhunt. She was featured on the cover of magazines and interviewed on national television. She even received a victim’s compensation award from the state of California.
Following her conviction, Papini said in a statement that she was “deeply sorry for the pain I have caused my family, my friends and the people of this community.” She added that she would “work tirelessly for the rest of my life to undo the damage I have done.”
Papini is now under 36 months of probation.
Some additional Information :
Papini’s family, friends and community have been impacted by her deception. Her husband Keith Papini filed for divorce after her release from prison. Her two children Tyler and Violet have also been impacted.
Papini’s deception has also sparked a backlash against the community of color. Some have accused her of making up the story to gain sympathy and attention, while others have warned that her deception will lead to further discrimination against the community.
Despite these accusations, Papini has steadfastly maintained her innocence, claiming she was compelled to lie out of fear for her former friend James Reyes, who has denied any part in her disappearance.
Sherri Papini will remain under house arrest for at least the next three years, and will be receiving psychological counseling. While it is likely that she will eventually be able to get back to her normal life, it is also likely that she will still struggle with the effects of her deception.