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.'"

Comments

Re:Kidnap?

[TheLink]

"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 ;).