Parents: Innocence Lost For Kidnapped Son

Shawn Hornbeck's Parents Tell CBS News He "Is Truly A Survivor"

(CBS/AP)  The parents of a teenage boy who had been missing for more than four years believe their son's innocence was lost during the traumatic ordeal.

"It's obvious," Shawn Hornbeck's mother, Pam Akers told Tracy Smith of CBS News' The Early Show. "He's missed out on so many things and he was forced into situations that no one should be forced."

Shawn's parents also believe he was sexually abused by the man accused of kidnapping Shawn, Michael Devlin.

"We can't say for sure, I mean, that would be a logical conclusion," Craig Akers, Shawn's stepfather, said.

He praised Shawn for being so strong throughout the entire experience.

"He is truly a survivor. A lesser person might not have made it. He is so strong," Craig Akers said.

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Watch interview with Shawn Hornbeck's parents.

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Devlin, a 41-year-old pizzeria manager, is also accused of taking 13-year-old Ben Ownby just after the boy got off a school bus in Beaufort, about 50 miles southwest of St. Louis earlier this month. A schoolmate's tip about a white pickup helped lead authorities to Devlin's apartment in a St. Louis suburb, where they found Ben and Shawn on Jan. 12.

Prosecutors said Devlin, who also is charged with kidnapping Shawn but has not yet entered a plea in that case, terrorized Shawn with a handgun to get him to cooperate. Shawn's grandmother said he told her Devlin woke him every 45 minutes in an apparent attempt to control him

During an interview with Oprah Winfrey on a TV show that aired Thursday, Shawn's parents said they have not asked their son about his ordeal on the advice of child advocacy experts.

However, Shawn's parents told The Early Show that Shawn slept as much as he could while in captivity as a way to cope with his pain.

"When he sleeps, it all goes away, you know, it's his escape," Craig Akers said of Shawn.

In a chilling twist, Shawn and his parents may have crossed paths online more than a year ago. Someone going by "Shawn Devlin" visited his parents' online message board and wrote "how long are you planning to look for your son?"

The possibility that they may have unintentionally passed over the message filled Shawn's parents with guilt, they said.

"It's very hard for me to handle that part, knowing that my son was reaching out for me," a tearful Pam Akers told Smith.

Shawn's parents said he wants to help other missing children. "He lived it for 4 1/2 years and he does not want anybody to have to go through it," Pam Akers said.

Shawn, who had dark floppy hair and piercings in his face when he was found, had a cleaner look in a taped interview with Winfrey. He said he always hoped for a reunion with his family.

"If it wasn't for Ben, I might not be here right now," Shawn said. "I'm thankful that he held in there for those few days. I told myself a long time ago I never wanted any kid to go through what I went through."

Shawn said he was not ready to discuss details of his abduction and the subsequent 51 months he spent living with Devlin. Winfrey said the boy told her off-camera that he was "terrified" to contact his parents during the last four years.

Devlin's attorney, Michael Kielty, declined to respond to the claim of sexual abuse, saying he hasn't seen evidence in the case. "The only thing I have is an allegation," he said.

N.G. Berrill, a psychologist and director of the consulting firm New York Forensic and professor at the John Jay College of Criminal Justice, said it makes sense to look into old cases now that a suspect is in custody.

Devlin "may have tried this before and not known how to pull it off," Berrill said.

He said a serial kidnapper tends to be "an isolated, socially awkward individual ... the kind of person people say that seemed OK and people didn't get to know them.

"He looks like an average Joe," Berrill said. "I suspect he has this need to keep kids. He's sort of collecting children."

Lincoln County, Mo., authorities have called Devlin the "most viable lead" in the case of Charles Arlin Henderson, who was 11 when he disappeared while riding his bike in 1991 and has never been found.

The boy, known as Arlin, was, like Ben and Shawn, about 100 pounds and from a rural town about an hour from St. Louis.

"We can't discount him in an investigation into any missing child," Lt. Rick Harrell said.

[alena11-2009]

For person who asked where did I take 800 000 number from. When boys were rescued, categorized by age on year 2006 missing children statistics were all over the news. And you are right, some of the children are lost in custodial cases and some of them taken away by one parent or guardian to save kids from another parent/guardian abuse or it may be an opposite situation (taken to abuse). Each case is different and who knows how many unreported cases of abuse (sexual, physical etc.) are there.
Here is another statistics: %u201CUSA has population of 300 million people and 1 million of kids are homeless%u201D. What kind of abuse or troubles these kids went through if they decided to run away and prefer streets to safety of the home? How many of them are going to be killed, raped and abused by another creep?
It may very well be that media's attention is needed when children rights/human rights are overlooked and underplayed in the country which tries to be an example for other foreign countries. My philosophy is to try to resolve your own problems first so you have an experience to help others.
According to a 2002 report by the U.S. Department of Justice, an estimated 797,500 children are reported missing each year. About 12,100 of these cases are classified as non-family abductions. To read all the facts go to link %u201COut of Sight: Missing Kids%u201D on the left side of the screen.

[pottyadlady]

This story has touched me since the day I heard on the news about the abduction of Ben, and I have followed the news daily on it since he and Shawn were found. The fact that Ben was not only found, but also Shawn (after 4 1/2 years of being missing) was a blessing, and much credit goes to Ben's young friend who identified the vehicle, as well as the police officers who were involved in the discovery. Each of you are hero's.

What this story should show all of us is that there is always HOPE; How many other missing children may still be out there, alive, but being forced to live under another identity and fearing for their life? What this story has shown us is that through faith and prayer miracles do happen. Perhaps there are many other children out there trying to find their way home, or praying one day they are reunited with their parent(s), so how about all of us, each and every one of us, taking a stand and doing something like what Shawn's parents did by forming a foundation and helping others during their own worse nightmare...
You want to speak out? Don't just express yourselves in this on-line "forum"...actually DO SOMETHING...DO SOMETHING THAT MAKES A DIFFERENCE TO CHANGE OUR LAWS AND GET CHILD ABDUCTORS AND CHILD MOLESTERS OFF OF OUR STREETS FOR GOOD.

[nimitz_68]

Hey payasyougo! So if I understand your philosophy correctly, Devlin's behavior wouldn't be nearly so grievious had he kidnapped and presumably sexually abused girls. That way, he wouldn't be "one step away from homosexuality." I happen to live in Los Angeles where there is quite a large population of the villians who strike such fear in your heart. I know quite a few of them. Not a single one of them has kidnapped a child of any gender and forced themselves sexually upon their victim. This isn't about sexual preference, moron. It's about kidnapping and rape. And by the way... Judge not lest ye be judged. Sound familiar? Probably not.

[dasil27]

To Kimden1-
Now that I have read your "credentials" I am truly shocked - you work with children? I urge you to consider a career change. Perhaps that would be in your best interest as well as those you teach as it seems that you have been tainted by those families who do have parents who would rather do anything than spend time with their children. I can only reiterate that the ADULT pedophile is the monster here, not the boys, not their families. Kids do ride to school on the bus, they do ride their bikes and bad things happen, that is the society that we live in. It is not as though these boys were out at midnight walking the streets alone - they were engaged in normal childhood activites when a sick individual snatched them. Their parents were not irresponsible and you can bet both boys were aware of stranger danger but coping and life skills at such a young age coupled with trauma create a very different response than anyone who has never lived it can imagine. Even though I agree you are entitled to your opinion perhaps it should be tempered with respect and compassion in such a public forum.

[pottyadlady]

So much judgment and condemnation towards Shawn's parents, Oprah...and some of you even towards Shawn himself. Where is your anger and condemnation towards the accused in this story? What about your "high and mighty" opinions of him?
It seems that almost everyday, certainly once a week, we hear on the news that yet another innocent child has either been molested or worse yet kidnapped/sexually assaulted, and many times later found dead. It is a parents absolute worse nightmare! We, as a society (WHETHER YOU ARE A PARENT OR NOT) need to STAND UP, GET ANGRY, DEMAND CHANGES WITH OUR LAWMAKERS AND PUT CHILD MOLESTERS AND PREDATORS AWAY FOR LIFE! So put your comments into something positive here..please..for all the victims..DEMAND CHANGES IN OUR LAWS!
In closing, welcome home Ben and Shawn-You two are very strong young men. Hang in there.

[cjlemmon3]

Please don't defend Oprah or any of the other media pigs. They don't care. As for Shawn's parents; why not get the #$%% of T.V., quite jet setting cross country and gushing over your "opportunity" to meet Oprah of the Today Show cast. Get the boy some help. Get off T.V. What's wrong with you?? AS fot Oprah and the media, they are indeed just doing their job, swine-like though it may be.

[dkquaid]

(brismom1) was it! Oprah never asked if he had been sexually molested. She stuck to the guide lines she was told she had to so she could interview the Hornbeck family. She didn't cross any lines. It breaks my heart to what happened to Shawn and I wish no one else had to go through something like this, and it wasn't his fault either. And hopefully the media will start respecting their need for privacy. These boys could of been our children and that would kill me. I have 5 kids and I will do whatever I can to protect them!

[fluffyshrimp-2009]

bviolsens, you need to take the *** out of YOUR ***. That's like saying if you cracked the vase, then why not shatter it to pieces too?

Just because he's been hurt in one way, doesn't mean he should be hurt in more ways. If I break one of your knees, I bet breaking the other one will still hurt, Pedo.

[fluffyshrimp-2009]

msvicky1: It's not uncommon for abducted children and even adults to behave that way. Look to the story of Steven Stayner or Carol Smith (the "girl in the box") and so forth.

[fluffyshrimp-2009]

You know mdc76082, there was a monumental study on Court TV where they had parents ask their 30 individual children what they would do when a stranger took them. All the children said the same things you claimed your kid said to you. Every one of the parents said that they taught their kid about strangers well, and that their kid knew better than to go with a stranger, or at least that they knew their kid would know how to fight back. Then the study group secretly video taped a man (one of their agents) inviting the children to "be in a commercial" while the parents watched. EVERY single one of those children went willing with their abductor.

Truth is, most kids are trained to SAY what they'd do when kidnapped by a stranger. But training them to give right answers when asked doesn't always do the trick in protecting them, Mr. Crusader.

Talking about self-richeousness, I can't believe you have the perception of yourself to think "Oh, this could never happen to MY kid, because MY kid SAYS it'll never happen to him, so it must just something wrong with Shawn." You don't know how your kid would react when he's not being quizzed by you; when he's being threatened or brainwashed or tortured or raped or when succumbed to Stockholm Syndrome. Even adults, like Carol Smith, have reacted in the same way when held against their will by a captor for many years. And adults don't need to be told to run away from an abductor when kidnapped...

[fluffyshrimp-2009]

...Whatever you believe, you should at least take your own advice and "do something about it, not sitting her posting" for self-glory might I add. At least the people here are posting because they have pity for Shawn. You're posting because you have delusions of grandeur for yourself. Puss.

We're here talking about it because it's a topic that interests us, same as why you're here talking about it. The only difference is that we're being honest about why we're here, while you try to tack some unfounded, world-changing, heroic meaning onto it for yourself. It's a news article comments section, so let us use it to comment. You can have fun saving the world with it.

Also, what the hell do iPods have to do with children losing their innocence and being abducted by a pedophile? Keep to your main point.

You know something? Whatever. Fight the good fight online crusader. Maybe if you talk to people online enough, using that remarkably brave "backbone" of yours to do so, you'll cause a "momentum of force driving the crusade in defeating this horrible, horrible tragedy." I'm sure one less kid will be abducted now that you've fulfilled your duty of being an annoying, self-promoting, ******* to people online whom you don't know. Bravo! Keep up the good work.

(How do we "defeat" Shawn being kidnapped for 4 years, by the way?)

[survivoralso]

mdc76082 - I'll take the bait. Yes, I also teach my kids how to avoid danger, how to run from it and how to fight to get away. I hope they never need to, but even if it meant taking away some of their innocence to teach them how to be safe, that is what I do. As to "self-righteous pity" ... I AM doing my part by letting them know that they are not alone, it has happened to someone else and they have gotten through it, that can be very powerful to get over feeling like a victim. I do shake when I think of this because it brings up memories, if you see that as weakness then you're clueless. I do advocate for missing and abused kids and women in my area, what do you do? If nobody ever came forward to discuss their own abuse, would anybody ever be prosecuted?

You may be surprised to learn that I don't agree with letting the boys appear on TV, they are minors and should be protected from the publicity. I do think their stories, minus the details, should be told. Abused people of all ages are shamed into silence. Sharing their story can make them feel like less of a victim and can help others who haven't come forward.

The important thing is getting the creeps off the streets and protecting kids from this ever happening, and being their to support and encourage and yes, even telling them your own story to help them feel that they are no longer alone.

[neverhome2]

Shawn is a HERO! The fact that he survived at the hands of his kidnapper is a miracle. Unfortunately our judicial system protects these abusers. How many repeat offenders are still free. As an abused child(my abuser still lives the life of luxury) I hope he can overcome this trauma. Shawn remember it is not your fault. You were just a child when you were abducted. You are also a survivor and you have nothing to be ashamed of. I hope Devlin rots in jail or worse..

[mdc76082]

Ok. Ok. Sit down with your 11 year old and ask them if someone took them, held them from mom & dad, threatened them with grave danger to them or mom & dad, gave them the freedom to do whatever they pleased, kept them out of school, what actions would they take? Proud to say mine said, 911, run like heck to the nearest neighbor, kick, scratch, claw, scream, whatever it took to get back home. Now, question yourselves as parents. Are you really "teaching" your kids to be self sufficient or our you teaching them that mommy & daddy will do it all for you. As far as child innocence these days, well, that would be a nice thing, but now adays consider it a thing of the past. they growup just as fast as technology & the media can throw iPods, B Spears & P Hilton at them. Please. Stop with self-righteous pity, "I'm shaking s I'm writing this..." You of people should be the "backbones" when it comes to child abuse. You should be the momentum force driving the crusade in defeating this horrible, horrible tragedy. Not sitting here posting for self pity. I would have thought you folks to be the pillars of support, not trembling and cowarding in some corner of your dim lit apartment. Do something about it!

[susanhelit]

For those who think an 11 year old boy should be able to hold up to threats and torture enough to be ready to escape - let's just go through a few of the very common things these children go through that you think they should be able to stand up to:

Abducted at gunpoint (known fact)
Tortured, sleep deprivation (statement by his parents)
Threats of killing not only him, but his parents, anyone he knows, anyone he sees (some statements, plus standard operating protocol for these perverts).
A particularly sick potential in this case, of seeing the disposal of his predecessor.
Lies, mind games, fake chances to escape or send a note given to test the boy.


This would break most adults, let alone an 11 year old child!

[karen091866]

It's so sad to see all the postings alluding to this child not taking every opportunity to run or escape.
An 11 year old child is still very much an innocent being. The reports so far indicate that a gun was involved in his abduction. ---That would put a bit of fear into most people.
Who knows what type of threats he was subjected to--perhaps even viscious lies about potential harm coming to his family.

After being overpowered physically, mentally and emotionally, what resources does the average child have left to work with? Be honest with yourself (especially those posting that have children)---The average child doesn't have the skills to work their way out of something like this.

My prayers go out to his boy and the other child kidnapped by this freak. He'll get what he deserves once he's assigned an inmate ID number in the prison system--and he deserves everything that will be delivered.

[msvicky1]

I wonder about a child/teenager who is held "hostage" by someone for that long of a time who is allowed to have friends, left alone, all the things I read about in People and yet he never tried to run? I may be missing the point, but he was old enough to understand his peril and the need to flee but when he had chances he didn't. I just don't get it - my first thought would be to run - just to take the chance that I would get away - and with the numerous chances he had, he stayed. Sounds like a kid who didn't want to go home - and I know that just raised someones ire but it makes one take time to think.

[jp13377]

I think it's a good thing for Shawn and his parents to go public - this kid needs to see the world is supporting him and how what happened to him was not his fault. This kid needs to know he's loved and supported by society. His parents are troopers - especially Shawn's father who is a STEPFATHER. That man is a role model for all stepfathers! Everyone is so quick to judge these people - back off and just be supportive. I hope Oprah gave these families some of her millions for appearing on her show - they could use it.

[dpbanana]

To those who mention the 800,000 (where do you get this number from?) children, I'd like to point out that most missing children are missing in custodial cases. That is, they have been kidnapped by a non-custodial parent, not a random *** predator. Certainly being taken away from one parent by another is traumatic, but cannot be compared to being kidnapped by a stranger and sexually abused.

[dpbanana]

To those who mention the 800,000 (where do you get this number from?) children, I'd like to point out that most missing children are missing in custodial cases. That is, they have been kidnapped by a non-custodial parent, not a random *** predator. Certainly being taken away from one parent by another is traumatic, but cannot be compared to being kidnapped by a stranger and sexually abused.