In 1968, a chilling true crime story unfolded in Atlanta, Georgia. The kidnapping of Barbara Jane Mackle, a young college student and heiress to her family's Florida housing development empire, captivated the nation. This harrowing tale of survival and resilience remains one of the most infamous kidnappings in American history.
The Background: A Family Torn Apart
Barbara Jane Mackle, then 20 years old, was nursing a flu during her final exams at Emory College in December 1968. Staying with her mother, Jane Mackle, in an Atlanta motel, Barbara had no idea that danger lurked nearby. In the early hours of December 17, two masked intruders stormed into their room. After tying up and chloroforming Jane, they abducted Barbara at gunpoint.
This terrifying ordeal marked the beginning of what would become one of the largest manhunts ever undertaken by the FBI. The case quickly gained national attention as details emerged about the meticulous planning behind the abduction. Gary Krist, the mastermind behind the plot, hatched his scheme alongside accomplice Ruth Eisemann-Schier. Together, they devised a plan to kidnap Barbara, bury her alive in a coffin-like box, and demand a ransom from her wealthy family.
A Nightmarish Ordeal
Krist and Eisemann-Schier transported Barbara to a secluded wooded area off South Dixie Highway in Gwinnett County. There, they placed her in a specially constructed wooden box buried underground. Despite enduring unimaginable conditions—lack of food, water, and fresh air—Barbara remained remarkably calm, clinging to hope for rescue.
Meanwhile, the FBI launched a massive investigation. Agents scoured the countryside, following leads provided by the kidnappers through cryptic ransom notes. The world watched anxiously as time ticked away, each passing hour increasing the likelihood that Barbara might not survive.
The Rescue: Against All Odds
After three and a half days trapped beneath the earth, Barbara's ordeal came to an end. Acting on information obtained during the investigation, FBI agents discovered her location and dug frantically to reach her. Miraculously, she was still alive when they broke open the lid of her makeshift coffin.
Her survival defied all expectations. Medical experts later credited her strong willpower and physical endurance for keeping her alive under such extreme circumstances. Barbara's rescue became a symbol of triumph over adversity, inspiring countless others facing seemingly insurmountable challenges.
Justice Served
Gary Krist and Ruth Eisemann-Schier were eventually apprehended and brought to justice. Krist received a life sentence for his role in the kidnapping, while Eisemann-Schier served several years in prison before being released. Their actions left an indelible mark on the annals of true crime history.
For Barbara, life continued beyond the headlines. She married her college sweetheart, Stewart Woodward, in 1971 and went on to raise two children. Though forever changed by her experience, she chose to focus on rebuilding her life rather than dwelling on the trauma.
Legacy of Strength
The story of Barbara Jane Mackle continues to resonate today. It has been immortalized in books, documentaries, and television movies, including 83 Hours 'Til Dawn, which chronicled her harrowing ordeal. Through it all, Barbara's courage and determination serve as a powerful reminder of the human spirit's ability to endure even the darkest moments.
As we reflect on this pivotal moment in true crime history, let us remember not only the fear and uncertainty but also the strength and resilience that defined Barbara's journey. Her story reminds us that even in the face of overwhelming odds, there is always hope—and sometimes, against all expectations, survival.
