Sherri Papini, accused of faking own kidnapping in 2016: What we know

Sherri Papini, a real-life ‘Gone Girl’ who made headlines in 2016 for allegedly faking her own kidnapping, is now sharing her side of the story after nine years. The new docuseries, Sherri Papini: Caught in the Lie, premiering on HBO Max, delves into the details of her disappearance that shocked the nation.

In the series, Sherri opens up about the complexities of her situation, asking viewers to consider if they have ever told a lie that spiraled out of control. The docuseries revisits the initial reports from late 2016 when Sherri vanished during a run in Redding, California, prompting a frantic search by her husband Keith and law enforcement.

After being found 22 days later with alarming injuries, Sherri claimed she was abducted by two Hispanic women. However, four years passed with no arrests until DNA evidence linked her ex-boyfriend, James Reyes, to the case. Sherri ultimately pleaded guilty to fabricating her own abduction, leading to her arrest and a subsequent 18-month prison sentence.

Throughout the ordeal, Keith Papini, Sherri’s former husband, expressed shock and betrayal at learning the truth about her disappearance. He filed for divorce in 2022, seeking full custody of their children, but did not participate in the HBO Max series. Despite their estrangement, he has been vocal in other documentaries, alleging that Sherri orchestrated the hoax to pursue an affair.

Sherri’s newfound transparency in the docuseries is a chance for her to set the record straight and share her truth with the world. As she reflects on the events of November 2016, she expresses relief at finally being able to speak out and put an end to the years of secrecy and deception.