The person at the center of this case
Eastern Airlines Flight 161 passengers and crew
Cold Case · Open
46 years waiting · since 1980
JOSE ESPINOSA CABALLERO
Justice for Eastern Airlines Flight 161 passengers and crew — the trail went cold in 1980, but the truth hasn't.
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Key leads to think about
🎯
suspect
Lead #1What is Jose Espinosa Caballero's current location and status? Did he remain in Cuba or flee to another country?
🔍
evidence
Lead #2What was the actual composition of the liquid in the bottle displayed during the hijacking? Was it a genuine explosive device or a hoax?
💡
clue
Lead #3Why did Caballero retreat to the bathroom immediately after making his demands? Was this a planned tactic or did he lose nerve?
On September 8, 1980, Jose Espinosa Caballero allegedly hijacked Eastern Airlines Flight 161 en route from New York to Tampa, Florida, by displaying a bottle with liquid and a lighter while demanding to be flown to Cuba. After making his demands, Caballero retreated to the aircraft's rear bathroom and remained there until the plane landed in Havana. A federal arrest warrant was issued in 1985, but Caballero's current whereabouts and status remain unknown.
Case
#674
Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI); United States District Court, Eastern District of New York
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More leads to consider
Beyond the top three above — each detail below could be the thread that pulls this case open.
📞
contact
Lead #4Are there any witnesses from the flight crew or passengers who could provide additional details about Caballero's appearance, accent, or behavior?
Have information about any of these leads?
Even the smallest detail could be the key to solving this case.
Official wording
Source Narrative
Crime Aboard an Aircraft - Aircraft Piracy Caution: Jose Espinosa Caballero is wanted for his alleged involvement in the September 8, 1980, hijacking of Eastern Airlines Flight 161 while it was en route from New York to Tampa, Florida. During the flight, Caballero is alleged to have displayed a bottle with a liquid in it and a lighter and indicated that he wanted to be flown to Cuba.
After making his demands, Caballero retreated to the bathroom at the rear of the plane and remained there until the plane landed in Havana, Cuba. A federal arrest warrant was issued for Caballero in the United States District Court, Eastern District of New York, on June 10, 1985, after he was charged with aircraft piracy.
Timeline of Events
👤
1980-09-08
Eastern Airlines Flight 161 Hijacking
Jose Espinosa Caballero allegedly hijacked Eastern Airlines Flight 161 en route from New York to Tampa, displaying a bottle with liquid and a lighter, demanding to be flown to Cuba.
📍
1980-09-08
Aircraft Landing in Havana
After making demands, Caballero retreated to the rear bathroom of the aircraft, remaining there until the plane landed in Havana, Cuba.
🕵️
1985-06-10
Federal Arrest Warrant Issued
A federal arrest warrant was issued for Jose Espinosa Caballero in the United States District Court, Eastern District of New York, charging him with aircraft piracy.
Key Locations
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Case Information
Incident:September 8, 1980
Last Updated:September 12, 2026
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Case Information
Incident:September 8, 1980
Last Updated:September 12, 2026