He had been obsessed with his ninth-grade algebra teacher for a decade. In 1980, he finally found her — and took her and her daughter captive for nearly two months.
A Decade-Long Obsession
Ming Sen Shiue was a former student of Mary Stauffer, a high school math teacher in Minnesota. Shiue had developed a fixation on Stauffer after she gave him a B- in her class years earlier, which he blamed for ruining his academic record. In 1975, he mistakenly broke into the home of Stauffer's in-laws, believing it was her house, and threatened the elderly couple into silence. They never told Mary about the incident.
The Abduction
In May 1980, as the Stauffer family prepared to move overseas as missionaries, Shiue tracked down Mary's home, workplace, and family details. On the day of the abduction, he approached Mary and her 8-year-old daughter, Beth, outside a hair salon, forced them into their own car at gunpoint, and revealed his identity and motive during the drive.
While transferring Mary and Beth to his own vehicle, Shiue was seen by a 6-year-old boy, Jason Wilkman, who was playing nearby. Shiue abducted Jason as well to eliminate a witness, and killed him that same day, later disposing of his body in a wildlife refuge.
53 Days in Captivity
Shiue held Mary and Beth in a small closet in his home for nearly two months, restricting their movement and contact with the outside world. He allowed Beth a brief, monitored phone call to her father on Father's Day. Mary's husband, Irv, had reported them missing the night of the abduction, and the FBI connected the Stauffer and Wilkman cases early in the investigation.
The Escape
On July 7, 1980, while Shiue was at work, Mary worked the hinge pin free from the closet door. She and Beth escaped the house, found a phone, and called 911. They were rescued after 53 days in captivity.
Trial and Aftermath
Shiue was arrested and eventually led investigators to Jason Wilkman's remains, six months after the murder. During his 1981 trial, he attacked Mary Stauffer in the courtroom with a smuggled knife, causing injuries that required 62 stitches. He was diagnosed with sexual sadism during a psychological evaluation but was found fit to stand trial. Shiue was convicted on all charges, including the murder of Jason Wilkman and the kidnapping of Mary and Beth Stauffer, and received a life sentence.
Mary Stauffer has spoken and written publicly about her experience in the years since. Jason Wilkman's family has said they forgave Shiue and later relocated out of state.
FAQ
How long were Mary Stauffer and her daughter held captive?
53 days, from May to July 1980.
What happened to Jason Wilkman?
He was a 6-year-old bystander who witnessed the abduction and was killed by Shiue the same day.
What sentence did Ming Sen Shiue receive?
He was convicted on all charges, including murder and kidnapping, and sentenced to life in prison.