It has been more than eight years since Sherri Papini claimed she was kidnapped while jogging in her neighborhood in Redding, California.
In November 2016, Sherri’s husband, Keith Papini, returned home from work to find his wife missing. Concerned, he noticed her car in the driveway and that their two young children hadn’t been picked up from daycare. Realizing something was wrong, he called the police to report her missing, leading to a major search for the missing mother.
For the next 22 days, Sherri’s case garnered national attention as friends, family, and authorities sought any clues about her whereabouts. Then, on Thanksgiving Day, Sherri reappeared on the side of a rural road, about 150 miles away from where she went missing. She looked weak and had visible injuries, including bruises and restraints around her waist.
Once Sherri was back home, investigators focused on finding her alleged kidnappers, two women she claimed had abducted her at gunpoint. However, over the years, no suspects were identified because it was revealed that Sherri’s kidnapping was fabricated.
In 2022, Sherri was arrested for lying to federal law enforcement and committing mail fraud. Not long after, Keith filed for divorce and sought custody of their children. Sherri served time in jail and a halfway house, while Keith moved on with his life, sharing his side of the story in the upcoming Hulu docuseries titled Perfect Wife: The Mysterious Disappearance of Sherri Papini, premiering on ABC on January 30 at 10 p.m. ET.
So, what is Keith Papini up to now? Here’s what you need to know about his situation and the fallout from Sherri’s deception.
Who are Keith and Sherri Papini?
Before Sherri’s disappearance, she and Keith were an ordinary family living in California. They met in middle school, reconnected in 2006, and got married three years later, welcoming two children, Tyler and Violet.
Keith worked at Best Buy while Sherri, after losing her job as an account executive, became a stay-at-home mom. Keith described Sherri as a dedicated mother, stating she was organized and always prepared for the day ahead.
What happened to Sherri Papini?
On November 2, 2016, a seemingly normal day turned dramatic when Sherri disappeared. Keith last saw her just before he left for work, believing she went out for a run. When he returned home that evening, he sensed something was wrong when their children didn’t greet him.
He searched the house and yard, then tracked Sherri’s phone to a nearby mailbox, but she was nowhere to be found. A frantic call to her mother and the daycare revealed Sherri hadn’t picked up the kids. Keith eventually found Sherri’s phone near the mailbox with her headphones tangled in hair, prompting him to call 911, which initiated a lengthy search for Sherri.
How did Keith Papini react to Sherri’s disappearance?
Within hours of Keith’s call, search teams and volunteers scoured the area for Sherri. Over the weeks, they received hundreds of tips while investigating all possible leads. Meanwhile, Keith assumed multiple roles in the search effort, pleading publicly for Sherri’s return.
After weeks of anxiety, Sherri was found alive. A passerby discovered her on a rural road on November 24, bound and injured. Keith recalled the moment he heard her voice, feeling a mix of panic and relief upon learning she was alive.
Did Keith Papini know Sherri faked her kidnapping?
Initially, investigators believed Sherri’s story but soon began questioning the circumstances. In the following weeks, Sherri described a harrowing tale of being abducted and tortured, but doubts emerged around her claims.
While Keith supported Sherri during that dark time, they later became embroiled in controversy when investigators started uncovering evidence that pointed to her story being a lie.
Authorities ultimately found DNA evidence showing Sherri had not been kidnapped. Investigations revealed she had been staying with a former boyfriend, James Reyes, during her supposed absence. Reyes later confessed that Sherri had orchestrated her escape, intending to return home after feeling homesick.
What did Keith Papini say about the kidnapping hoax?
By 2020, evidence had mounted, leading to Sherri’s arrest in March 2022 on charges of lying to authorities and committing fraud. Keith learned the truth around the same time, expressing feelings of betrayal and disbelief. He had dedicated himself to finding his wife, and the revelation shook him completely.
In the wake of the scandal, Keith filed for divorce soon after the arrest, seeking protection for their children from the chaos that followed.
Are Keith and Sherri Papini still married?
Keith divorced Sherri in May 2023 and gained full custody of their kids. Sherri has limited and supervised visitation rights. Keith focuses on creating a stable life for their children as they navigate the aftermath of the false kidnapping.
Where is Keith Papini now?
Today, Keith is dedicated to ensuring a safe and nurturing environment for Tyler and Violet. While the experience has been traumatic for the entire family, Keith is committed to helping his children thrive and providing them with a happy childhood. As of 2024, he reported they are doing well, engaging in school activities and sports.
Keith has come to terms with the uncertainties surrounding Sherri’s motives but remains focused on moving forward with his life as a devoted father.
