The Unabomber: Ted Kaczynski's 17-Year Spree Of Terror And His Capture

In 1978, Ted Kaczynski sent a homemade bomb to Northwestern University, marking the beginning of a notorious chapter in American criminal history. The explosion injured Terry Maker, a campus security officer, and initiated a 17-year spree of bombings that targeted various individuals and institutions. Kaczynski's attacks included a range of high-profile targets such as American Airlines Flight 444 and several educational institutions, resulting in a trail of destruction and loss of life.

Kaczynski's first confirmed murder victim was Hugh Scrutton, a computer store owner killed in 1985. This act of violence escalated into a series of bombings that would ultimately result in 23 injuries and three deaths. His victims were often chosen at random, showcasing a chilling disregard for human life. The FBI tracked 16 bombs made by Kaczynski, with only a couple being diffused before detonation.

How Was the Unabomber Caught?

By 1979, the U.S. Postal Service and the FBI began to investigate the growing number of bombings, leading to the creation of the UNABOM task force, focused on the "University Airline Bombings." This task force expanded over two decades, employing more than 150 agents dedicated to understanding Kaczynski's methods and motives. Kaczynski was meticulous, leaving no forensic evidence and employing commonly available materials in his bomb-making.

A significant breakthrough came in 1995 when Kaczynski's manifesto, “Industrial Society and Its Future,” was published in major newspapers. This 35,000-word essay provided the FBI with critical insights into his thoughts and intentions. David Kaczynski, Ted's brother, recognized the writing style and informed the authorities, leading to the linguistic analysis that ultimately linked Ted to the manifesto.

Unabomber Behind Bars

Kaczynski's arrest on April 3, 1996, marked the end of his bombing campaign. Investigators found a wealth of evidence in his remote cabin, including detailed journals and bomb-making materials. The contents of his journals detailed his crimes and motivations, which were later auctioned, raising substantial funds for his victims' families.

After his arrest, Kaczynski faced numerous charges and rejected an insanity plea. He was diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia after a suicide attempt in jail. Ultimately, he accepted a plea bargain that spared him from the death penalty, leading to eight life sentences without the possibility of parole.

The Unabomber's Later Life and Friendships

Despite his heinous crimes, Kaczynski formed unexpected friendships with fellow inmates, including Oklahoma City bomber Timothy McVeigh. He has maintained correspondence with numerous pen pals from the outside world, indicating a significant shift from his earlier reclusive lifestyle. Interestingly, Kaczynski's former cabin is now displayed in the Newseum in Washington, D.C., showcasing a piece of his past.

Today, Kaczynski continues to reach out to the media and engage in discussions about his life and experiences. His participation in a controversial Harvard psychological experiment has drawn attention, with many suggesting it contributed to his later actions. Kaczynski, who was once a promising mathematician, now identifies as a "prisoner," defiantly viewing his life sentences as "awards."

While Kaczynski claims he is not mentally ill, his life in prison has juxtaposed his past as a survivalist in Montana with his current state as a convicted terrorist. His story serves as a cautionary tale about the complexities of human behavior and the consequences of radical ideologies.