Manacled Mormon case
Introduction
The Manacled Mormon case, also known as the Mormon sex in chains case, is a notorious legal incident that captured public attention in the 1970s. This case revolved around the alleged abduction and sexual assault of Kirk Anderson, a young missionary of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church), by Joyce McKinney in England. The events leading up to the case, the subsequent judicial proceedings, and the intense media coverage painted a complex picture of crime, sensationalism, and societal attitudes towards gender and sexuality. Despite the gravity of the accusations, McKinney and her accomplice Keith May managed to evade justice by fleeing to the United States before they could be tried. This article will delve into the details of the crime, judicial proceedings, media coverage, later developments involving McKinney, and her more recent legal troubles.
The Crime
On September 14, 1977, Kirk Anderson was abducted from the steps of an LDS Church meetinghouse in Ewell, Surrey. His captor was Keith May, a 24-year-old man who had posed as an investigator into Mormonism. May used a fake handgun and chloroform to subdue Anderson. After three days in captivity, Anderson reported that he had been taken to a cottage in Devon where he was chained to a bed against his will. During this time, Joyce Bernann McKinney attempted to seduce him and allegedly raped him by forcing him to penetrate her.
Details of the Abduction
The abduction was executed with a level of planning that highlighted the disturbing nature of the crime. Anderson’s ordeal began under false pretenses; he was led to believe that May was conducting legitimate inquiries into his faith. Once at the cottage, however, his situation turned dire. The use of restraints and coercion underscored the severity of McKinney’s actions during the abduction.
Judicial Proceedings
Following Anderson’s escape, police launched an investigation that included a sting operation to apprehend McKinney and May. On September 19, police arrested them after Anderson arranged a meeting with them. They were charged with kidnapping and indecent assault; both denied the allegations vigorously. During their transport for a court appearance, McKinney famously held up a sign from within the police vehicle claiming that “Kirk left with me willingly!” This statement exemplified her denial of wrongdoing.
Laws and Legal Complications
The legal framework surrounding the case presented significant challenges. Under the Sexual Offences Act 1956 in force at that time in the UK, no crime of rape applied since Anderson was male. However, indecent assault laws did permit charges against McKinney for her actions. Despite these provisions, both she and May skipped bail on April 12, 1978, before their trial could commence on May 2.
Absconding Justice
In June 1978, a judge sentenced them in absentia to a year in prison for fleeing justice unless they forfeited their bail money. However, extradition proceedings were never pursued by British authorities. Two years later, on July 18, 1979, both were arrested in the United States for making false statements to obtain passports but only received suspended sentences.
Coverage in the Media
The Manacled Mormon case attracted widespread media attention in Britain during its unfolding. Newspapers engaged in fierce competition to scoop exclusive stories about McKinney’s background and details surrounding the case. The Daily Mirror extensively reported on her past as a nude model while other outlets attempted to downplay these revelations to maintain their readership.
The Public Reaction
This sensationalist coverage provided “light relief” from more serious political news according to observers like Brian Whitaker. It also highlighted societal attitudes toward gender dynamics in sexual violence cases; many found it difficult to believe that a woman could commit such acts against a man. The coverage not only reflected public intrigue but also revealed underlying biases regarding male victimization.
Cultural Impact
The case inspired various forms of media representation including books and songs that further explored its complexities. Notably, Anthony Delano published “Joyce McKinney and the Manacled Mormon,” which compiled extensive newspaper reports from that time period. Additionally, UK band Radio Stars released ‘Sex in Chains Blues,’ capturing public sentiment surrounding these bizarre events.
Later Developments
In subsequent years, Joyce McKinney continued to attract attention for various reasons related to her past actions. In 1984 she faced police scrutiny again when she was accused of stalking Kirk Anderson after he had moved on with his life and started a family. At this time she was discovered living out of her vehicle near Salt Lake International Airport—where Anderson worked—armed with maps detailing his daily routines.
The Cloning Controversy
Years later in 2008, McKinney made headlines again when she claimed to have cloned her pet dog in South Korea under the name “Bernann McKinney.” The media quickly drew parallels between this new story and her infamous past involving Anderson leading to renewed public interest.
The Documentary
This resurgence culminated in Errol Morris’s 2010 documentary “Tabloid,” which examined both McKinney’s actions and media portrayals during the original case. The film offered deeper insights into McKinney’s life at that time—including her work as a call girl funded by offering bondage services—adding layers of complexity to her motivations.
Vehicular Manslaughter Charge
The most recent chapter in McKinney’s life unfolded on June 16, 2019, when she was involved in a hit-and-run incident resulting in the death of 91-year-old Gennady Bolotsky in North Hollywood. Surveillance footage captured details of the tragic event during which Bolotsky was struck while walking his dog.
Legal Consequences
Following an investigation by LAPD’s Valley Traffic Division (VTD), authorities linked McKinney’s vehicle to the incident and arrested her after discovering outstanding warrants related to previous unrelated charges. She faced multiple charges including vehicular manslaughter with enhancements due to Bolotsky’s age.
Psycho-Legal Evaluation
Ultimately deemed mentally incompetent by a judge following psychiatric evaluations, McKinney has since remained under psychiatric care rather than facing traditional criminal proceedings for her more recent actions—a stark contrast from her earlier evasion of justice during the Manacled Mormon case.
Conclusion
The Manacled Mormon case remains an intriguing chapter in British legal history characterized by its complex interplay between crime and societal perceptions regarding gender dynamics in sexual violence cases. While it initially highlighted deep-seated biases against male victimization within legal frameworks at that time, Joyce McKinney’s later actions have continued to captivate media attention through decades filled with bizarre twists and turns After years spent avoiding accountability for her past crimes—only to face new legal challenges later—it raises questions about justice and its pursuit across different contexts within society.
Artykuł sporządzony na podstawie: Wikipedia (EN).