[buzzGLOSS] Balloon Boy’s Dad Had Hoax In Mind, Heene Kids Instructed to Lie About Hoax

Posted on October 23, 2009 by Lolita Carrico

Mayumi Heene, the wife of the Colorado father at the center of the “balloon boy” saga told authorities that the giant helium balloon was specifically created for a hoax to draw media attention, according to court documents released Friday.

The Heenes initially told authorities that they believed their child had flown away on the balloon, and when the balloon landed without him, they expressed concern that he may have fallen out of the device.

CNN reports that the couple hatched the plan about two weeks before the incident and “instructed their three children to lie to authorities as well as the media regarding this hoax,” according to the documents.

Richard and Mayumi Heene are each facing a several charges including conspiracy, contributing to the delinquency of a minor and attempting to influence a public servant.