On May 03, 1992, Sidney Reso, an Exxon executive, died in a storage vault in New Jersey. Four days earlier, he was abducted from the driveway of his Morris Township, New Jersey, home. Reso was shot in the arm, bound and gagged, and then placed in a wooden box that was hidden in a virtually airless storage space.
Despite his death, the kidnappers continued with their ransom plans. The kidnappers' notably complex ransom notes demanding $18.5 million in used $100 bills were sometimes signed, "Rainbow Warriors." Detectives were able to get DNA samples from both the ransom notes and the pay phones at Exxon stations where the kidnappers made their calls, leading them to Arthur and Irene Seale.
The couple was arrested on June 19, 1992, after a protracted chase involving more than 100 FBI agents. Arthur Seale was a former police officer and Exxon security consultant who was fired in 1987. Apparently, choosing Reso as his victim was partially fueled by his hatred of Exxon.
Seale tried to throw the FBI offtrack by pretending that the kidnapping was the work of environmental radicals. However, the Seales were mainly motivated by their desire to fund a lavish lifestyle. After running up a mountain of debt living in a couple of resort towns, they were forced to move in with Arthur's parents.
Irene Seale was eventually persuaded to testify against her husband, and she led officers to Reso's body, which had been dumped in a remote area of the southern New Jersey Pine Barrens. Since New Jersey law prevented a person from testifying against their spouse in court, a federal court, which permits spousal testimony, tried Arthur Seale instead.
Arthur Seale was convicted and sentenced to 95 years in prison and fined $1.75 million. Irene Seale received a 20-year sentence.
Source: https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/exxon-executive-is-murdered
Commentary
The tragic kidnapping and murder of Sidney Reso was 33 years ago and highlighted significant vulnerabilities in executive security, especially as to violent crimes by disgruntled employees and contractors.
Some of the improvements include:
- Enhanced Security Protocols: Organizations have implemented more stringent security protocols, including the use of personal security details for high-ranking executives. This includes trained security personnel who accompany executives during their daily routines and travel.
- Risk Assessments: Organization and contractor security perform regular risk assessments to identify potential threats and vulnerabilities. These assessments help in developing tailored security plans for executives based on their specific risk profiles.
- Advanced Surveillance Technology: The use of advanced surveillance technology, such as CCTV cameras, GPS tracking, and alarm systems, has become more prevalent. These technologies help in monitoring and protecting executives' residences and workplaces and act as another measure criminals must address when considering a public crime.
- Training and Awareness: Executives and their families are provided with training on security awareness and protocols. This includes educating them on how to respond to potential threats and ensuring they are aware of the security measures in place.
- Collaboration with Law Enforcement: Organizations have established stronger relationships with local law enforcement agencies to ensure a rapid response in case of emergencies. This collaboration includes sharing information and coordinating security efforts.
- Crisis Management Plans: Comprehensive crisis management plans have been developed to address various scenarios, including kidnappings. These plans outline the steps to be taken in the event of a security breach and ensure a coordinated response.
The final takeaway is the "Rainbow Warrior" kidnapping provided an impetus to improve executive security, including planning for the worst, implementing prevention steps now, and hoping your plan is never needed.
