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Survivor of Childhood Kidnapping Recounts Decades-Long Ordeal
18 Oct
Summary
- Jan Broberg kidnapped twice as a child by family friend
- Abductor convinced her of an "alien mission" to have a child
- Victim later forgave her abductor, started foundation to help others
In October 2025, the story of Jan Broberg's childhood kidnapping ordeal continues to captivate audiences. Broberg, now in her 60s, was first abducted by a family friend, Robert Berchtold, in 1974 when she was just 12 years old. Berchtold, a husband and father of five, had gained the trust of Broberg's parents and convinced the young girl that she was part of an "alien mission" to have a child together to save the planet.
Broberg was held captive for weeks, even being taken to Mexico where Berchtold illegally married her. Though Berchtold was arrested, he continued to manipulate Broberg and her parents, leading to a second kidnapping in 1976. Broberg struggled to break free of Berchtold's influence, even considering suicide at one point, but eventually realized the "alien mission" was a lie.
After years of trauma, Broberg has found the strength to share her story, first through a Netflix documentary in 2017 and now a Peacock miniseries. She has also started The Jan Broberg Foundation to support other adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse. Broberg's resilience and courage in the face of unimaginable adversity serve as an inspiration to all.
