Woman who admitted to kidnapping hoax undergoes polygraph in explosive new tell-all
Share this @internewscast.com

Coming clean hasn’t been easy for Sherri Papini.

In 2022, a mother of two from California was sentenced to 18 months in prison for pretending to be kidnapped to reunite with an ex-boyfriend. Her disappearance triggered a three-week, multi-state search and she reappeared on Thanksgiving Day in 2016.

Currently, the 42-year-old is revisiting her vanished episode and undergoing a lie detector test in the Investigation Discovery (ID) true crime docuseries, “Sherri Papini: Caught in a Lie.”

Sherri Papini wearing a beige sweater and a black shirt looking away from the camera.

Sherri Papini claimed she was unhappy with her marriage but was afraid of losing her two children. (ID)

In the docuseries, Papini admitted to an emotional affair with Reyes due to dissatisfaction in her marriage and a fear of losing her children. However, she insisted that the kidnapping was not voluntary. Reyes’ DNA was discovered on the clothing she had on when found.

Rittenmeyer said this is the first time Papini is publicly sharing this account.

Monica De La Mora wearing a burgundy sweater

Monica De La Mora, or “Mo,” spoke about what it was like being behind bars with Sherri Papini. (ID)

“She never shared it with anyone except for us and very close members of her family,” said Rittenmeyer. “This is going to be the first time Shasta County sheriffs will hear this story when they watch it with the rest of the viewers.”

Sherri Papini speaking in front of cameras.

Sherri Papini said she’s finally speaking out after undergoing therapy because she felt ready to share her truth. (ID)

Fox News Digital reached out to the Shasta County Sheriff’s Office, Keith’s attorney and Reyes for comment. According to the docuseries, Reyes vehemently denies kidnapping and abusing Papini.

“He maintains that any harm he inflicted on her was done at her direction,” the docuseries shared. “He has not been charged with any crime in connection with Sherri’s disappearance.”

When questioned by FBI agents, Reyes claimed that Papini planned “everything,” including the decision to use a wood-burning tool to brand her shoulder. He passed a polygraph test.

“What I learned… is that her particular form of personality disorder results in a lot of pleasing,” Rittenmeyer continued. “There’s an effort to please, which served us well when we did reenactments and the polygraph because she didn’t want to do those things, but she did them.

Bill Portanova wearing a suit and sitting on a leather chair.

Attorney Bill Portanova represented Sherri Papini and spoke about his famous client in the docuseries. (ID)

“… We assume people lie because they’re trying to deceive because there’s financial gain or something that they’re trying to get over on us. And in the case of her personality disorder, she lies as a protective mechanism. It’s like default. She’s gotten a lot of therapy, and she’s a lot better than she used to be. But… there was so much more nuance to her and why she did the things that she did, and what drove her to do them.”

Sherri Papini posing with her parents.

Sherri Papini with her parents, Loretta and Richard Graeff. (ID)

In 2022, Papini accepted a plea bargain with prosecutors and acknowledged she made up the story that prompted the frantic search. That same year, Keith filed for divorce.

“I am deeply ashamed of myself for my behavior and so very sorry for the pain I’ve caused my family, my friends, all the good people who needlessly suffered because of my story, and those who worked so hard to try to help me,” she said in a statement at the time. “I will work the rest of my life to make amends for what I have done.”

Sherri Papini looking away sitting on a couch..

In the docuseries, Sherri Papini wondered how people will view her after her testimony. (ID)

The plea agreement called for Papini to pay restitution topping $300,000.

A close-up of Sherri Papini wearing a white sweatshirt.

Sherri Papini is adamant that she’s now telling the truth. (ID)

But today, Papini is adamant that she was a victim.

“Haven’t you ever lied? And then, has the lie been blown up?” Papini said in the docuseries.

Sherri Papini's parents sitting together on a couch.

Sherri Papini’s parents spoke about her upbringing. (ID)

Rittemeyer said that Papini, now out with her story, is “working on being a better person.”

Sherri Papini wearing a black sweater in the dark.

Director Nicole Rittenmeyer told Fox News Digital that Sherri Papini is working on being “a better person.” (ID)

“I do think the person I interviewed is very different from the one… Shasta County interviewed,” said Rittenmeyer. “She went through it. She served her time. She’s done a lot of therapy… If there’s a lesson to take away from this film, I think it’s don’t lie. You kickstart events and you’re going to spiral horrifically out of control.”

“Sherri Papini: Caught in the Lie” premieres May 26 and May 27 at 9 p.m. on ID. The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Feel-Good Friday: Proud Dad and Univ. Pres. Is Bowled Over by His Girl With Special Needs at Graduation

Heartwarming Friday: Proud Father and University President Overjoyed as His Daughter with Special Needs Graduates

It’s graduation season, with ceremonies taking place nationwide as May comes to…
Misplaced antenna caused military controllers to lose contact with Black Hawk near DCA: report

Military Controllers Lost Black Hawk Contact Near DCA Due to Misplaced Antenna: Report

An Army general recently confirmed that military air traffic controllers temporarily lost…
Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month 2025: 'New Wave' documentary screened at Gene Siskel Film Center in Chicago

Celebrating AAPI Heritage Month 2025: ‘New Wave’ Documentary Premiere at Chicago’s Gene Siskel Film Center

CHICAGO (WLS) — In recognition of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage…
Georgia man arrested in murder of his wife Doris Worrell

Family of Doris Worrell Breaks Silence Following Husband’s Arrest for Her Murder

Georgia authorities arrested Jon Worrell after nearly 20 years for the murder…
She and her husband were going downstairs for safety from the tornado; she didn't make it

She and her husband were seeking safety in the basement during a tornado; she sadly didn’t survive

When the tornado hit, 60-year-old Rena Lyles was holding hands with her…
Federal judge blocks Trump administration from barring foreign student enrollment at Harvard

Federal Court Prevents Trump Administration from Stopping International Students’ Admission at Harvard

WASHINGTON (AP) — On Friday, a federal judge intervened to prevent the…
New Orleans police make another arrest in ongoing jail escape investigation

Another Arrest Made by New Orleans Police in Ongoing Jail Escape Investigation

Another suspect accused of helping inmates escape from a New Orleans jail…
Who died in the plane crash in San Diego?

San Diego Plane Crash: Who Are the Victims?

The music agency, Sound Talent Group, announced that three of its staff…
Father of suspect accused of killing Israeli Embassy staffers in DC was guest at Trump's joint address

Father of Suspect in Killing of Israeli Embassy Staff in DC Attended Trump’s Joint Address

Earlier this week, the father of the alleged shooter of two Israeli…
Photo of a press conference where law enforcement officials display photos of Elliot Rodger and the weapons used in the Isla Vista shooting.

Father of Isla Vista Shooter Elliot Rodger Leads a Luxurious Lifestyle 11 Years After Tragedy

THE father of the Santa Barbara killer is living a reclusive but…
Small plane hit power lines before deadly San Diego crash, NTSB confirms

NTSB Confirms Small Plane Struck Power Lines Before Fatal San Diego Crash

Officials from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) reported on Friday that…
President Donald Trump speaking at a podium.

Trump Re-initiates Trade War with EU, Threatens 50% Tariffs After Striking Deal with Post-Brexit UK

Former President Donald Trump has sparked the trade conflict between the United…