True Crime Teacher Time
Two teachers discuss all things true crime and teacher life! Every week, we bring you a true crime case and relatable teacher moments. Join us every Monday on all platforms! Follow us on instagram at @truecrimeteachertime.
True Crime Teacher Time
Balloon Boy
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In October 2009, a homemade silver balloon drifted across the Colorado sky as the entire country watched in horror. Authorities feared a six-year-old boy was trapped inside as news helicopters followed the balloon live. What began as a terrifying rescue mission quickly became one of the most infamous media moments of the 2000s.
In this episode of True Crime Teacher Time, we talk about the Balloon Boy case exactly as the world experienced it, moment by moment, saving the shocking truth for the very end. Along the way, we unpack the media panic it created and how this case could have happened in today’s TikTok era.
References:
“The Balloon Boy Hoax and the True Story Behind the Incident.” ATI (2025)
“10 Years Later, ‘Balloon Boy’ and his Family Still Denounce Idea that it was a Hoax.” ABC News (2019)
“Balloon Boy Charges May Not Come Until Next Week.” The Press Democrat (2019)
“‘Balloon Boy’ Parents Plead Guilty.” CNN (2010)
“Richard and Mayumi Heene: Where are the Balloon Boy’s Parents Today?” Moviedelic (2025)
“Feared Lost in Balloon, Boy Found at Home.” NBC News (2009)