Mar 24 , 2025

A Father’s Justice: The Story of Jody and Gary Plauché

On March 16, 1984, a father took justice into his own hands. It was a moment captured on live television—one that would etch itself into true crime history and spark debate for decades. When Gary Plauché pulled the trigger at the Baton Rouge airport, killing his son’s kidnapper and rapist, it wasn’t just an act of vengeance. It was the raw, unfiltered rage of a father who had been pushed past his limits.

But this story isn’t just about a single gunshot. It’s about survival. It’s about a boy—Jody Plauché—who endured unspeakable trauma and grew into a man who now dedicates his life to educating others about grooming, abuse, and recovery.

Jody sat down with We Fight Monsters for a raw and powerful conversation about his ordeal, his father’s infamous act of vigilante justice, and the long road to healing. You can watch the full interview here: Jody Plauché Interview – We Fight Monsters.

The Kidnapping of Jody Plauché

In 1984, 11-year-old Jody was kidnapped by his karate instructor, Jeff Doucet. Under the guise of mentorship and trust, Doucet had been grooming Jody for years before abducting him and taking him to a motel in California. What happened during those days was every parent’s worst nightmare.

Authorities rescued Jody and arrested Doucet. But justice, at least in the legal sense, hadn’t been fully served yet.

Gary Plauché’s Revenge

When Doucet was extradited back to Louisiana, cameras rolled as he was walked through the Baton Rouge airport in handcuffs. What happened next stunned the nation. Gary Plauché, wearing a baseball cap and pretending to make a phone call, pulled out a .38 revolver and shot Doucet in the head at point-blank range. The kidnapper died instantly.

The footage, now infamous, shows Gary being restrained as officers wrestle the gun from his hands. “Why, Gary? Why?” a detective shouts. His answer was simple: “If somebody did it to your kid, you’d do it too.”

Gary was arrested but served only five years of probation and community service—public sentiment was overwhelmingly on his side.

The Man Jody Became

For years, Jody remained silent about his abuse, knowing that his father’s act of vengeance had overshadowed his own survival. But he never stopped fighting. He went on to become an advocate for abuse prevention, writing his book Why, Gary, Why? and speaking out against grooming and exploitation.

Now, Jody is using his experience to help others recognize the signs of predators before they strike. His story isn’t just one of survival—it’s one of transformation.

Why This Interview Matters

In our interview, Jody talks about what the media got wrong, what he wishes people understood about his father’s actions, and how survivors of abuse can reclaim their power. He doesn’t hold back. This isn’t just another retelling of a famous crime—it’s a firsthand account from a man who lived it.

This is an episode you don’t want to miss.

🔗 Watch the full interview here: https://youtu.be/BYxyJ6kZKUI

At We Fight Monsters, we believe in giving survivors a voice and exposing the predators who lurk in the shadows. Jody Plauché’s story is one of pain, resilience, and justice—but most of all, it’s a testament to the power of fighting back.

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