February 17

On February 17, 1970, the family of U.S. Army Captain Jeffrey R. MacDonald was discovered stabbed to death in their home at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. MacDonald reported that he had fought off intruders before escaping to seek help. Investigators noted inconsistencies in his account and evidence at the crime scene. After years of legal proceedings and a high-profile federal trial, MacDonald was convicted in 1979 of murdering his pregnant wife and two young daughters. He received life sentences and remained imprisoned amid ongoing debate over his guilt. The case drew intense media scrutiny and raised questions about forensic methods, witness testimony, and police conduct. It remains one of the most controversial criminal cases in American history.

On February 17, 1974, Private Robert K. Preston, frustrated with army life, stole a UH-1 helicopter from Fort Meade, Maryland. He flew low over Washington, D.C., swooping past the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument. Preston hovered at rooftop height directly above the White House lawn, triggering an immediate security response. Secret Service and fighter jets scrambled to intercept, but the helicopter escaped before any engagement. After a brief flight, Preston landed back at Fort Meade and surrendered peacefully. No injuries were reported, but the incident exposed critical gaps in U.S. air defense and facility security. Preston was court-martialed, convicted, and sentenced before eventually being paroled.