The Oprah Winfrey Show: The Podcast Kidnapped as a Child: Why I Didn't Return
6 snips
Mar 3, 2026 Todd Bequette, kidnapped at 13 and held 18 months, shares his traumatic survival and recovery. Ed Smart, father of Elizabeth Smart, discusses family support when a child returns. Ernie Allen, head of the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, explains legal gaps and needed policy changes. The conversation explores fear, grooming, reintegration, and calls for stronger protections for children.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Teen Abduction That Lasted Eighteen Months
- Todd Bequette was abducted at 13 and held for 18 months while being repeatedly raped and tortured.
- He described being drugged, tied, threatened with a gun, and coerced to call home with a false story that delayed discovery.
Forced Recruitment And Drugged Victims
- Terry Holman forced Todd to recruit other children by befriending them and bringing them where Holman could drug them.
- Todd described Kool-Aid laced with drugs and seeing children as young as three who were then molested and released.
Life After Rescue Was Far From Normal
- Returning home was not a clean break for Todd: he faced cruelty at school, was bullied, and got into fights leading to many suspensions.
- He developed PTSD, turned to drugs, and required psychiatric treatment and rehab to cope.