I was kidnapped in Haiti, then freed after 43 days. I was beaten, terrorized and tortured by a vicious gang. In many ways, this is what they do to innocent Haitians every day. They must be stopped. Like the heroes that sacrificed for me, I hope this story will turn your heart to the millions of Haitians who are still held ‘captive’ today.
Chapter Index
I was kidnapped in Haiti on April 12th, 2023, and held for 43 days. I was beaten, terrorized and tortured. I escaped for about 8 hours but only made it about a mile before I was recaptured by a neighboring gang and returned to my cell. It was terrible. I lost about 50 pounds before being released on May 24th. Over the next six weeks, My wife Mary and I will share our story here.
I landed in Haiti on Monday, April 10th 2023 to bring food to the starving individuals and families of Haiti. My non-profit StimPack, had received a $300k donation from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints intended to purchase food for distribution.
As we went to each location, I expected to see the desperate and dying like I had seen on previous visits to Jacmel.
We entered Martissant like before, front windows down, tinted back windows up, rum bottles out the windows, thug faces on. We passed the gang ‘toll booth’ without incident. A mile or so later I actually began to imagine what it would be like if I were ever attacked in Haiti. I thought about how it would actually go down.
Around 11am Chef Jeff came in and gave me my phone and told me to call my negotiator. I hadn’t realized it but the role of negotiator is a terribly heavy burden to carry.
The downside of that arrogance (amongst many other things) is that I can become a DIY guy when I aught not. It had not even occurred to me on Day 3, that Mary might be putting together a team of highly qualified experts who were preparing to lead my negotiations. Think of all you’d need in order to help me. You’d need to speak Kreyol, be a skilled negotiator, know about this gang and their specific tactics, style, capabilities. You’d need to know my finances, where our money is, how to get it, how much I’d be willing to pay or not pay - and more!
Not long after I finish my call and Kervins finishes translating, seven or eight kidnappers storm in the room and tell Stephanie and I to lay face down on two separate mattresses. Bad Cop is there. I don’t quite understand what he wants me to do. I ask him a question. He punches me in the ear. I lay down and put my arms behind my back not knowing what’s going on. Maybe the $100k wasn’t enough.
Miscommunication abounds. Phone call with Mary
Daily life in captivity, Introduction to the guards, Gunny agrees to delevery ransom money
Jeff submits, keeping your mind right, escape planning continues.
Big Frazier news, Vigilante justice movements, Chef Jeff is
Day 28 of the Stimpak podcast continues the story of Jeff Frazier
Jeff recounts his experiences on day 29 of captivity. He describes being recaptured after an escape attempt and being placed in a new cell. Jeff reflects on the guards
Jeff Frazier shares his experience in captivity and the challenges he faced. He talks about the excitement of DJ getting close to being released and the constant harassment from the kidnappers. Jeff discusses the conditions in captivity, including the bright lights and uncomfortable sleeping arrangements. He also mentions his hope for a solution to his ransom and the support he receives from his wife, Mary. Jeff reflects on the importance of perseverance and the realization that he is capable of more than he thought. In the second part of the conversation, Jeff describes the final days of his captivity and his eventual release. He talks about the emotional rollercoaster he experienced, from moments of hope and excitement to fear and despair. Jeff shares how he tried to manage his emotions and maintain a sense of control in a dangerous and unpredictable situation. He also reflects on the impact of his captivity on his physical and mental well-being. Finally, Jeff recounts the moment of his release and the overwhelming emotions he felt upon reuniting with his wife.
Jeff Frazier shares his experience in captivity and the challenges he faced. He talks about the excitement of DJ getting close to being released and the constant harassment from the kidnappers. Jeff discusses the conditions in captivity, including the bright lights and uncomfortable sleeping arrangements. He also mentions his hope for a solution to his ransom and the support he receives from his wife, Mary. Jeff reflects on the importance of perseverance and the realization that he is capable of more than he thought. In the second part of the conversation, Jeff describes the final days of his captivity and his eventual release. He talks about the emotional rollercoaster he experienced, from moments of hope and excitement to fear and despair. Jeff shares how he tried to manage his emotions and maintain a sense of control in a dangerous and unpredictable situation. He also reflects on the impact of his captivity on his physical and mental well-being. Finally, Jeff recounts the moment of his release and the overwhelming emotions he felt upon reuniting with his wife.
Stephanie Dufort shares her experience of being kidnapped in Haiti and the harrowing moments she went through. She discusses how she was targeted because of the color of her skin and considered a rich person. Stephanie talks about the initial moments of the kidnapping, the fear she felt, and the attempts to escape. She also highlights the emotional toll it took on her and her loved ones. Despite the trauma, Stephanie
Mary Frazier joins the podcast to discuss the events leading up to her release from captivity in Haiti. They discuss the challenges of negotiating with the gang, the emotional roller coaster of day 28, and the efforts to secure her release through non-monetary means. They also touch on the involvement of politicians and the media in their efforts. The conversation ends with the discussion of the pivotal moment on day 38 when the gang is willing to negotiate a smaller ransom amount. In this conversation, Jeff and Mary discuss the challenges they faced during the negotiation process for Jeff
Jeff Frazier interviews Austin Holmes, who played a crucial role in negotiating and securing Jeff
