Final Sentence Pronounced In ‘Miracle Boy’ Kidnapping Case

It is the end of a very long journey to justice for a man convicted of some terrible crimes that have forever altered the lives of two young boys and their families. And while it won’t affect much of what happens to 42-year-old Michael Devlin, it will help authorities to finally put the finishing seals on his disturbing case file.

Devlin is the Missouri pizzeria manager currently serving multiple life terms for kidnapping and sexually assaulting teens Shawn Hornbeck and Ben Ownby. The first victim disappeared in 2002 as he rode his bicycle near his home in Richwoods, not far from his captor’s Kirkwood apartment.

Four years later, the second boy disappeared and when cops traced a suspicious truck believed used in the latter abduction to Devlin’s home, they were stunned to find Hornbeck inside. He’d been living there with limited freedom ever since.

The case of the miracle return made headlines around the world and left Devlin in custody facing a slew of charges. Authorities disposed of the final one on Friday, slapping the pedophile with 170 years in prison for making child pornography using his two captives. They were added to the two life sentences he received in October for kidnapping the boys, meaning Devlin will never be released from prison.

Incredibly, his lawyer asked the judge for some credit on the final charge because his client spared his victims “the torture of going to trial.” The harsh sentence proved the jurist wasn’t impressed.

The man who became so infamous for what he did may not retain that reputation in prison. There are concerns about Devlin’s safety behind bars and officials have discussed the possibility he could be given an altered identity when he serves his time, sent to an out-of-state institution or be placed in permanent protective custody.

Both Hornbeck and Ownby continue to undergo therapy to help them recover from their ordeals. Questions about why Shawn didn’t leave despite having some freedoms and access to the Internet while Devlin worked have since been addressed. The child had been repeatedly threatened by his tormentor to ensure his compliance, with Devlin vowing to kill him if he revealed the truth. Reports indicate the boy talked him out of it, agreeing not to leave if his captor would guarantee his safety.

Previous stories:

Kidnapped Boy Finding It “Difficult” To Readjust To Freedom

Hornbeck Had Two Encounters With Police: Report

Kidnapped Boy Tried to Stop Pedophile From Taking New Victim

Official: One Kidnapped Boy Stood Guard So Another Couldn’t Escape