Slashdot Mirror


Kidnap Victim Visible Via Xbox Community Site

Via Joystiq comes the confusing tale of Shawn Hornbeck. Shawn was kidnapped more than four years ago, and his absence has made his parents worry and left a hole in his friends' lives. He's been returned safely home, so there's a happy ending to this tale. Strangely, though, he has been publicly visible for over a year now - via Xbox Live. From the Joystiq post: "The GamerTagPics profile for Xbox Live user 'DevilDevlin' shows the kidnapped Hornbeck outside what appear to be [alleged kidnapper Michael] Devlin's apartment. The profile was created Sept. 4, 2005 but hasn't been accessed since early 2006. DevilDevlin's Gamertag reveals that someone played Saints Row on the account as recently as Friday. It seems likely that Hornbeck used the account -- a Washington Post story reveals Devlin's neighbors 'often spotted Shawn out and about, visiting friends on his bicycle or playing video games with the apartment door open.'"

4 of 119 comments (clear)

  1. Re:2 + 2 != 5 by godscent · · Score: 0, Troll

    Hell, I don't think most of the responses so far would have applied to me at six. By eleven, I truly believe that if I couldn't have outright escaped, I would have killed the guy in his sleep.
    So yeah, if it makes me an "asshole", I have trouble believing this as a simple kidnapping.


    No, you're not an "asshole." You're clearly superhuman and you have trouble relating to us mortals. Or perhaps you just think very highly of yourself. But my guess would be that you don't understand psychology as well as you think you do. I'm no expert myself, so I won't try to teach you. If you're interested, I'm sure you can teach yourself by doing a little googling.

  2. Re:Kidnap? by TheLink · · Score: 1, Troll

    "Stockholm just seems too easy or too simple of an explanation."

    Why? It happens all the time.

    The whole US gets told tales of terror and get exploited by Bush, then they actually reelect him and continue their usual lives playing video games, watching TV etc.

    Most US people will tell you that they are mostly free and have plenty of access to the outside world.

    Sounds pretty similar to me ;).

    --
  3. Re:2 + 2 != 5 by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0, Troll

    I could also tell you about very young kids who found a pirate's gold while exploring some sewers... but I think I made my point.

    Yep - You have a marvelous grasp of the "strawman" device. Congratulations.

    I particularly like how you framed it, via sarcasm, as a seemingly stronger argument than the original. That shows real talent. You should run for public office!

  4. Re:Was is good. by TheLink · · Score: 0, Troll

    "Or the guy that listened to the American people screaming for vengence after 9/11 and actually did something about it?"

    So if Neighbour A attacks your house, you scream for vengeance and attack Neighbour B instead?

    And you wonder why your neighbours are looking at you strangely or even saying bad things about you, when previously they supported you.

    stupid_american_count++;

    If you can justify attacking Iraq for 9/11, you can justify attacking England as well.

    --