Photos: Personal Journeys: The editor and the kidnapper

Metro Atlanta

Photos: Personal Journeys: The editor and the kidnapper

40 years ago this week, Reg Murphy was stuffed in a car trunk and the manhunt for his captor was on.

Executive editor Jim Minter in his office in The Atlanta Journal-Constitution newsroom. Minter was the first person Murphy called to say, "I've been kidnapped." Minter responded, "Well, then you're in a helluva shape, Reg. No one's going to pay anything for you."

Mayor Maynard Jackson meeting Atlanta Journal-Constitution editor Reg Murphy, Atlanta, Georgia, December 12, 1973. During Murphy's kidnapping, his capture told him he had considered kidnapping Mayor Jackson but decided against it. "He wouldn't fit in the truck of the car," he said. "You tell him that when you see him." It was that statement that gave Murphy hope that he would survive. (Bill Mahan)

Men counting $700,000 of ransom money for Atlanta Journal Constitution editor Reg Murphy, Atlanta, Georgia, February 23, 1974. The money was placed in two suitcases and it was Journal Editor Jim Minter who was tasked in making the drop. (Bud Skinner)

Men counting $700,000 of ransom money for Atlanta Journal Constitution editor Reg Murphy, Atlanta, Georgia, February 23, 1974. Murphy's captor instructed him to make a tape that explained his kidnappers' intentions. He was instructed to say that his kidnappers were an organized militia who intended to conduct guerrilla warfare and wanted $700,000 in case to help fund their cause.(Bud Skinner)

Atlanta Journal-Constitution editor Reg Murphy speaking to the press about his recent kidnapping, Atlanta, Georgia, February 23, 1974. It was 40 years ago this week that Murphy was stuffed in a car trunk and there was a manhunt for his capture. (Bill Grimes)

William A.H. Williams, kidnapper of Atlanta Journal Constitution editor Reg Murphy, in custody, Atlanta, Georgia, 1974. Williams posed as a man wanting to donate fuel oil and Murphy lined up agencies for the donation. After Williams took a wrong turn with Murphy in the car, he knew something was wrong. (Calvin Cruce)

William A.H. Williams, kidnapper of Atlanta Journal Constitution editor Reg Murphy, in custody, Atlanta, Georgia, August 5, 1974. Williams was convicted of federal extortion after the initial appeals court case was thrown out. He served nine years and upon his release, he told reporters that he had changed. (Calvin Cruce)

Atlanta Journal editor Jim Minter returning after delivering $700,000 ransom to reclaim kidnapped Constitution editorial page editor, Reg Murphy. Minter drove up Ga 400 almost 30 miles north of downtown Atlanta and dropped the cash by a road sign, as instructed.

Atlanta Journal-Constitution editor Reg Murphy resting on his typewriter before completing a story on his recent kidnapping, Atlanta, Georgia, February 23, 1974.

Former Atlanta Constitution editor Reg Murphy now lives on St. Simons Island, Ga. He was at the helm of the Baltimore Sun when it was sold to Times Mirror in 1986. He reportedly made nearly $15 million in the deal. (Stephen B. Morton for The Atlanta Journal Constitution)

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Executive editor Jim Minter in his office in The Atlanta Journal-Constitution newsroom. Minter was the first person Murphy called to say, "I've been kidnapped." Minter responded, "Well, then you're in a helluva shape, Reg. No one's going to pay anything for you."

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