Keith Papini, the former husband of Sherri Papini, has spoken out for the first time since her 2016 kidnapping hoax captivated the nation. In an exclusive interview with ABC News, Papini details the emotional toll the ordeal took on him and their children, and sheds new light on the events that led to her staged disappearance.
Sherri Papini vanished while jogging in Redding, California in November 2016. For weeks, a nationwide search ensued, fueled by claims she was abducted by two Latina women. However, in 2017, Papini was found emaciated and bound on the side of the road, her story seemingly corroborated by the physical injuries she sustained.
Keith Papini, however, now reveals his growing suspicions throughout the ordeal. He discloses inconsistencies in her story and expresses frustration with law enforcement’s focus on the fabricated abduction narrative.
“There were things that just didn’t add up,” Papini tells ABC News. “The way she described the kidnappers, the details of the story kept changing.”
The interview comes just weeks after Sherri Papini pleaded guilty to charges of making false statements to a law enforcement officer and engaging in mail fraud. She faces up to five years in prison and is ordered to repay the substantial costs incurred during the search efforts.
While Keith Papini expresses relief at the resolution of the case, he grapples with the betrayal and the lasting impact on their family.
“The kids and I have been living a nightmare for years,” he says. “We were lied to, manipulated. It’s been a long road to even begin to heal.”
The Papini case has sparked renewed discussions about mental health and the complexities of fabricated illnesses. Experts suggest a deeper understanding of Munchausen syndrome by proxy, a condition where a caregiver fabricates or induces illness in another person, could be crucial in preventing similar situations.
Keith Papini’s interview offers a glimpse into the human cost of Sherri Papini’s actions. As the legal proceedings unfold, the case continues to serve as a cautionary tale about the dangers of deception and the importance of mental health awareness.
