Sherri Papini went missing in 2016 only to reappear three weeks later with bruises and injuries and “exodus” branded on her body. A married California mother-of-two, Sherri told authorities that two armed Hispanic women kidnapped her on the morning of November 2 from a jogging trail. Later, a years-long investigation revealed a notorious kidnapping hoax she orchestrated with her ex-boyfriend. Hulu documentary Perfect Wife: The Mysterious Disappearance of Sherri Papini looks into the infamous case of the woman who faked her own kidnapping.
Sherri Papini’s bruises, injuries & branding on her body explained
According to People Magazine, Sherri Papini’s disappearance in 2016 prompted an exhaustive search for the mother-of-two. The case remained in headlines for over three weeks until Sherri reappeared along a highway 150 miles away. She was seemingly emaciated and had bruises, injuries, burns, and rashes all over her body. Sherri also had a branding on her right shoulder, a chain wound to her waist, and clamps around her wrists.
Sherri told authorities two armed Hispanic women kidnapped her on November 2 and held her captive. She described one woman to be in her 20s or 30s. She claimed the second woman was between 40 and 50, and mostly spoke Spanish. Shortly after her return, authorities began looking into the alleged kidnappers and made a shocking discovery in 2017.
Reportedly, detectives found male DNA evidence on Sherri Papini’s clothes, which led them to her ex-boyfriend, James Reyes. The subsequent investigation revealed that Sherri’s kidnapping was a hoax and that she was staying with Reyes during the supposed disappearance. Shasta County Sheriff’s Office Captain Brian Jackson claimed they “knew we’d be able to find something” using the DNA evidence.
Investigators then interviewed Sherri’s ex-boyfriend James Reyes, who admitted to the kidnapping hoax. Reyes claimed he helped Sherri “run away” from her allegedly abusive husband, Keith Papini. Once the story began to unravel, authorities learned that the former lovers used to communicate over prepaid phones. Reyes reportedly picked Sherri up from the Redding jogging trail. Following this, the duo returned to his Costa Mesa, California, apartment.
James Reyes revealed that Sherri Papini, during her stay in his apartment, asked him to inflict bruises and injuries on her. A complaint detailed the admissions Reyes made to authorities when they questioned him. The complaint stated that Sherri “purposefully” tried “to lose weight” to appear emaciated, “created the injuries while staying with him,” and even cut off her long hair. Additionally, the mother-of-two hit “herself to create bruises and burning herself on her arms.”
Reyes also admitted buying a wood-burning tool from Hobby Lobby after Sherri asked him to brand her. He reportedly branded the word “Exodus” on her right shoulder. Screen Rant stated that “exodus” is a Bible verse that refers to a passage discussing the subject of kidnapping. The ex-boyfriend also claimed that “he was nervous and wanted to hold steady while doing the brand because the tool was so hot it glowed red.”
James Reyes also revealed how Sherri Papini slammed her against walls to create injuries and bruises. She made him hold hockey sticks as she ran into them. Moreover, he admitted to sometimes pelting her with hockey pucks. The complaint stated how Reyes “helped her create some of the injuries, although he never laid his hands directly on her.” He claimed Sherri wanted him to “‘bank a puck off my leg,’ so [he] shot a puck off her leg, lightly.”
Authorities first charged Sherri Papini in early 2022 in connection with the kidnapping hoax. Meanwhile, her ex-boyfriend Reyes never faced any charges. She faced a 35-count federal indictment but later pleaded guilty to two counts in April. These charges were mail fraud and lying to a law enforcement officer. Sherri received an 18-month prison sentence but served less than a year before her release in August 2023.
The hit documentary series Perfect Wife: The Mysterious Disappearance of Sherri Papini is now streaming on Hulu. The docuseries includes interviews with Sherri’s now ex-husband Keith Papini, who is speaking out for the first time.
