Once officers arrived at the place of business where Michael Devlin worked, he was ready to confess, according to Crime Museum. Not only was he responsible for the recent abduction of Ben Ownby, he had also taken Shawn Hornbeck, who he referred to as his godson. Hornbeck was still alive. Over the years, Devlin was able to cover his crime, at times calling Hornbeck his son or a friend of the family, as The Southern reports.
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Devlin tried to kill Hornbeck shortly after the abduction in 2002, but relented when the boy pleaded for his life. He was tied up for a month. Over the years, Devlin experienced sexual abuse at the hands of Devlin, for which Devlin was also later convicted. Chillingly, Devlin made some attempt to let the young man lead a normal social life, to the extent that was possible under the circumstances. Via The Southern, Devlin went hunting for a new victim because Hornbeck had grown too old. When Devlin had Ownby in captivity, the young man remembered Devlin saying, “You were just at the wrong place at the wrong time,” according to Crime Museum.
If you or anyone you know has been a victim of sexual assault, help is available. Visit the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network website or contact RAINN’s National Helpline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673).
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