April 02, 2004

She Made It Up

The Badger State was in the spotlight because of a mission UW college student. Two days ago, Audrey Seiler was "found." She claimed she was kidnapped at knifepoint from her Madison apartment. The morning, she changed her story and claimed she was kidnapped somewhere in Madison. A few hours later, the police department announced that there wasn't a suspect on the loose. The most important evidence is video of Seiler going into a store and buying items she said were used during her abduction.

As soon as she was discovered, I was suspicious. Something didn't feel right. First, she was found nearby the very hotel her family and search party. Second, when someone, anyone disappears for more than a day, I assume they're dead. It's rare that someone is missing for that long and is found alive. Third, we heard nothing about how she escaped. Was there a struggle? Did she hurt her abductor? Fourth, in February, Seidler claims she was knocked unconscious by an attacker. If it was the same man who kidnapped her, why didn't her take her the first time? Either Seidler is one very unlucky woman or something was fishy.

Something happened to her. It may or may not have been last February. Something in her head could have just gone haywire. I think she's more sick than demented. I don't think this was some elaborate April Fool's joke. I see it as a call for help. Questions need to be answered, but I hope Seidler isn't crucified by the media or public.

"No Abduction, no Suspect in Seiler Case, Police Say"

"Police Doubt College Student's Abduction Claim"

"Rockford Residents not Sure What to Make of Seiler's New Story"

UPDATE: I must mention that after examining Seidler's computer they found that someone used it to research Madison parks near her apartment as well as the five-day weather forcast. Also, the computer was used during the time she was considered missing. There is also the fact that the state employee who called 911 about Seidler saw her in previous days.

"Police Believe Missing Student Faked Her Abduction, Have Store Videos of Her Buying Rope and Duct Tape"

Since the Journal Sentinel is doing such a poor job reporting a story less than 100 miles from them (only an AP wire story is on their website), I'm relying on the Twin Cities' and Madison papers. St. Paul Pioneer Press columnist Rubén Rosario has a great column on false claims of attacks and their effects.

"Happy Ending May Obscure Disturbing Reality"