The Chilling True Story of Jen Broberg and Her Alien Abduction Ordeal

This story may sound unbelievable and naïve, but during the era when rockets began conquering space and celebrated filmmakers and musicians praised the vast Universe, everything was very different.

"Jen, you are one of us. Your parents are not your real parents; you were born on a distant planet. Now your mission is to continue your lineage by conceiving a child with a man we designate. You know him, Jen—he's a friend of your parents, Robert Berthold," said mysterious beings named Zeta and Zettra, who claimed to be extraterrestrials. While this could have been the start of a complex crime story with fantasy elements, the terrifying events involving Jen Broberg actually happened in real life.

An Ordinary Family’s Life

Jen Broberg was born on July 31, 1961, into a modest American family in the small town of Pocatello, Idaho. Her mother, Mary Ann, sang in the church choir, and her father, Bob, worked as a florist in a small flower shop. Every Sunday, they attended church and aimed to raise their three daughters with Christian values.

It was at church that the Brobergs met the Bertholds. Robert Berthold, head of the family, owned a furniture business and, along with his wife Gail, raised five sons. The families regularly visited each other and joked that one day their families would officially unite through marriage between the Broberg daughters and the Berthold sons. At the time, no one could foresee the unexpected turn this acquaintance would take.

Robert confided early on that he was undergoing therapy due to a traumatic childhood experience—he was sexually abused by his aunt, which left deep psychological scars. He openly shared that overcoming daily challenges was a constant struggle shadowing his life.

During this emotional confession, Robert asked the Brobergs’ permission to spend more time with their daughters, assuring that regular contact would help heal his emotional wounds. Bob and Mary Ann agreed without hesitation. Moreover, Jen and her sisters adored Robert, who entertained them with his charisma and artistry. His favorite was the eldest daughter, Jen, whom he affectionately called Dolly and spent the most time with.

Robert’s attention wasn’t limited to Jen; he also devoted significant time to Mary Ann. He eagerly assisted her with church activities, showered her with compliments, and even voluntarily accompanied her on a church trip to Utah. Mary Ann later revealed that this trip made her reconsider her feelings toward Robert, as he displayed ambiguous advances, attempting to kiss her multiple times and encouraging intimacy.

Although Mary Ann remained faithful to her husband, she admitted Robert’s attraction was challenging to resist. But Robert’s unhealthy interest extended further—he once confessed to Bob that his wife didn’t satisfy him and asked for his help to "relieve" his frustrations. Surprisingly, Bob agreed.

By late 1974, Robert Berthold had become the closest family friend, visiting the Brobergs regularly and even sleeping in Jen’s bedroom up to four times a week.

The Day Everything Changed

On an autumn day, October 17, 1974, Jen was out with Robert as usual, unaware of the cruel plan brewing in his mind. Robert forced her to take an allergy medication that was actually a sleeping pill. Once it took effect, he dragged her into his Ford and drove to a deserted lot where a prearranged RV awaited. He then drove toward the Mexican border, which he successfully crossed.

When 12-year-old Jen woke up, Robert played a recording featuring voices named Zeta and Zettra, insisting she was not human but an alien with a special mission. They urged her to bear a child with Robert before turning 16, threatening to kill her parents and blind her beloved sisters if she refused. "You like Robert anyway, don’t you, Jen? Don’t be afraid, it’s not scary," they said. Terrified, Jen believed these voices and, having grown attached to Robert, trusted he meant no harm.

Meanwhile, nothing seemed amiss at the Broberg household. Bob and Mary Ann trusted Robert so much that they only contacted the police several days later. This calm response seems especially odd considering Mary Ann had personally experienced Robert’s advances. Investigators quickly began searching and found Robert’s abandoned vehicle on the lot. They interviewed his relatives, learning Robert was obsessed with young girls and had molested his younger sister when their parents were at work. Authorities realized they were dealing with a dangerous predator and acted swiftly—though Robert was the first to reappear.

On November 20, Robert called Mary Ann, asking for her permission to marry Jen. He claimed Jen left voluntarily and preferred his company over her parents’. Shocked, the Brobergs refused and reported the call to the police. Authorities tracked Robert and rescued Jen in Mazatlán, Mexico. When her parents reunited with her, they realized nothing would ever be the same.

Jen swore Robert never sexually assaulted or pressured her. Her parents doubted this and arranged a medical examination, which confirmed she was still a virgin. Although relieved, the devout family soon realized Jen was deeply influenced by the alien mission narrative. She repeatedly expressed a desire to return to Robert, fearing for her family’s safety if she failed her supposed mission. Meanwhile, Robert awaited trial in custody.

Shortly after, Robert’s wife Gail visited the Brobergs, issuing an ultimatum. She knew about Robert’s relationships with Mary Ann and Bob and demanded they alter their testimony or she would expose their family’s secrets to the town. Fearing damage to their reputation, the Brobergs complied. Despite this, Robert was not cleared but was released on bail. Jen returned to her routine but never abandoned her mission.

A New Chapter

In spring 1975, Robert called Mary Ann, confessing his feelings and urging her to divorce Bob and move with the children to him. Surprisingly, Mary Ann agreed to meet him. Their secret meetings began, and after eight months, Robert confessed to Bob, who was furious and sought divorce. Mary Ann convinced Bob the affair was Robert’s manipulation and not serious.

While the Broberg family teetered on the edge of collapse, Robert moved to Wyoming and sent letters to Jen, who clung to her mission and refused to accept her humanity. She responded, begging her parents to let her see Robert. Bob and Mary Ann refused, but Jen threatened to run away to him. To prevent this, Mary Ann sent Jen on a plane to Robert.

Jen spent two weeks with Robert, feeling it was an eternity. Their happiness was short-lived; Mary Ann threatened police intervention if Robert did not return Jen. Fearing prison, Robert complied.

Jen’s time at home was brief. She soon ran away again, leaving a note expressing hatred for her family, religion, and morals. Robert aided her escape. In August 1976, he secretly entered the Broberg home, where Jen awaited, and they fled to California.

Robert enrolled Jen in a Catholic boarding school in Pasadena under a false name, fabricating a story of being a CIA agent on the run with his daughter. Surprisingly, the school believed this tale.

Initially hesitant, the Brobergs contacted the FBI after two weeks. They communicated with Robert, who denied knowledge of Jen’s whereabouts and claimed he was searching for her. Authorities monitored Robert closely and arrested him in Salt Lake City in November 1976, returning Jen home, now more withdrawn and silent.

Robert admitted to two kidnappings and was sentenced to forced psychiatric treatment, from which he was released in less than six months.

The Alien Mission Revealed

Though Jen understood the ordeal was over, she struggled to accept that her mission endangered her family. At 16, she realized the alien voices were imaginary: "My birthday is July 31. That’s when I understood Zetas and Zettras never existed," she recalled. That day, she bravely shared everything with her stunned parents.

To heal, Mary Ann began documenting their harrowing experience, spending days discussing with Jen and piecing together the events, realizing the immense harm Robert had caused. The ordeal brought the family closer, and they vowed to start anew.

Life Afterward

Mary Ann’s book, "Stolen Innocence: The Jen Broberg Story," published in 2003, sparked widespread attention, leading mother and daughter to tour the U.S. sharing their story. Several women came forward, revealing abuse by Robert, who resurfaced to stalk Jen, threatening to ruin her family’s lives.

Robert distributed flyers accusing Mary Ann and Jen of slander and alleging the couple "sold" their daughter for sexual favors. Fearing for their safety, the women sought a restraining order. During court, Jen faced Robert for the first time in nearly 30 years, admitting she was shaken initially.

Despite hiring security, Robert infiltrated one of their events, attempting to disrupt it and threatening them. He was arrested, charged with illegal weapon possession and assault, and found guilty by a jury. Before sentencing, in 2005, Robert Berthold committed suicide in prison.

In 2022, a miniseries titled "Family Friend" was produced based on Jen Broberg’s kidnapping story.

Photos: Legion-Media.ru, Getty Images

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