Here are the 3 most famous kidnappings in the United States.
Amber Hagerman of Arlington, Texas
Amber, 9 years old, was riding on her bike in January 1999. She was forcibly taken by a stranger using a black pickup. Her dead body was found in a drainage ditch a few miles away 4 days after that. It remained unsolved but led to the launching of the Amber Alert in 1997. The coordinated response team was able to help rescue abducted children after this tragic event.
Adam Walsh of Hollywood, Florida
Adam, 6 years old, was shopping with his mom at a mall on July 27, 1981. His mom left him in the toy department but when she returned, the boy was gone. His decapitated body was found by two fishermen in Vero Beach, Florida 2 weeks later.
Elizabeth Smart of Salt Lake City, Utah
Elizabeth, 14 years old, was kidnapped at knifepoint from her bedroom in 2002. She was raped and drugged for 9 months by her abductor who was claiming to be a prophet. Fortunately, the kidnapper was identified by Elizabeth’s sister as a former handyman hired by their family. They shared the same room. Awake but terrified that night, she saw the man’s face. The abductor was caught and Elizabeth was able to come home alive.