The Extremely Messy True Story of John McAfee and His Strange Demise
The Extremely Messy True Story of John McAfee and His Strange Demise
When you mention John McAfee, the name likely evokes memories of the antivirus software that bears his name—a staple of computer security since the late 1980s. For many, McAfee represents the quintessential Silicon Valley success story: a tech pioneer whose groundbreaking software transformed cybersecurity. However, McAfee’s life was anything but conventional.
The 2022 Netflix documentary, Running With The Devil: The Wild World Of John McAfee, unveils the chaotic and often bizarre life he led beyond his corporate achievements. From accusations of murder in Belize to alleged tax evasion and brushes with organized crime, McAfee’s post-tech years resembled a thriller novel. He lived on the run, hosted drug-fueled parties aboard luxury yachts, and declared himself a target of global conspiracies.
The documentary explores the difficulty of separating fact from fiction in McAfee's life. He was as much a storyteller as a tech entrepreneur, often spinning elaborate tales that blurred reality. This raises the question: Who was John McAfee, and how did his life spiral so dramatically?
The Early Years: From Struggles to Success
John McAfee’s life began on a turbulent note, marked by both privilege and profound hardship. Born in 1945 on a U.S. Air Force base in Gloucestershire, England, he was the son of an English mother and an American father. His father’s struggles with alcoholism cast a long shadow over McAfee’s early years. The abuse endured by both McAfee and his mother created an environment of instability and fear. The trauma deepened when McAfee was just 15 years old; his father, unable to overcome his personal demons, died by suicide—a tragedy that left an indelible mark on McAfee’s psyche.
Despite his turbulent upbringing, McAfee exhibited an early aptitude for academics, particularly in mathematics. His intellectual promise stood in stark contrast to the chaos of his personal life. In 1967, he graduated from Roanoke College in Virginia with a degree in mathematics, laying the groundwork for what would become a trailblazing career in technology. Yet, his journey from trauma to innovation was far from straightforward.
McAfee’s academic trajectory took a sharp turn when he pursued graduate studies in mathematics at Northeast Louisiana State College. His time there ended abruptly after he was expelled for engaging in a relationship with a student—a scandal that foreshadowed the rebellious streak that would come to define his later years. Undeterred by this setback, McAfee pivoted to the professional world, entering the burgeoning tech industry at a pivotal moment.
In the late 1960s, McAfee secured a role at NASA, contributing to the Apollo program during a golden age of space exploration. This position not only validated his technical prowess but also served as his gateway into a field that was rapidly transforming the modern world. From NASA, McAfee’s career in technology began to gather momentum, setting the stage for the creation of the antivirus software that would make his name synonymous with digital security.
McAfee’s early life is a study in contrasts: a young man shaped by profound loss and hardship, yet fueled by an unrelenting drive to succeed. His ability to channel personal adversity into professional ambition was both a testament to his resilience and a harbinger of the audacious, often unpredictable persona that would define his life.
The Creation of McAfee Associates: An Antivirus Revolution
By the early 1980s, the tech world was experiencing rapid innovation, but it was also grappling with a new threat: computer viruses. While working at Lockheed Martin, McAfee encountered one of the first known PC viruses. Recognizing the potential for widespread digital chaos, he set out to develop a solution.
In 1987, McAfee founded McAfee Associates and launched VirusScan, a software program capable of detecting and removing computer viruses. VirusScan was revolutionary, addressing a growing concern among businesses and individuals as personal computing became more prevalent. McAfee’s software not only identified threats but also offered automatic removal, setting it apart from competitors.
McAfee’s marketing prowess played a critical role in the success of his software. He leveraged fear as a selling point, emphasizing the devastating consequences of unchecked viruses. This strategy resonated with consumers and corporations alike, propelling McAfee Associates to the forefront of the antivirus industry.
By the early 1990s, McAfee Associates was generating millions in revenue, and McAfee himself became one of Silicon Valley’s most recognizable figures. Despite this success, McAfee was not content to rest on his laurels. In 1994, he sold his stake in the company for a reported $100 million, marking his departure from the business he had built. However, his decision to leave came with a price. Over the years, McAfee grew increasingly critical of the antivirus industry, particularly after Intel acquired McAfee Associates in 2011. His public condemnation of Intel’s rebranding efforts further cemented his reputation as a maverick.
The Fall: Chaos, Controversies, and Escape
After selling McAfee Associates, John McAfee redirected his energy toward an eclectic array of pursuits. He dabbled in everything from biochemistry and yoga to cryptocurrency, showcasing his ever-curious, if erratic, nature. Among his new ventures, Tribal Voice stood out as a groundbreaking effort. The company developed PowWow, one of the first instant messaging platforms, ahead of its time in the mid-1990s. Despite its innovative nature, PowWow failed to achieve the widespread adoption needed to secure long-term success, and like several of McAfee’s other startups, it faded into obscurity.
Another of McAfee’s ventures was QuorumEx, a biotechnology company he founded in Belize in 2010. The company claimed to focus on producing antibiotics using “biofilm” technology, a concept that captured McAfee’s attention during his self-directed foray into microbiology. However, QuorumEx was widely criticized as little more than a publicity stunt, with little to no credible scientific research backing its claims. These ventures demonstrated McAfee’s entrepreneurial spirit but also his tendency to dive headfirst into projects with questionable feasibility.
The Financial Crisis and a Move to Belize
The global financial crash of 2008 dealt a devastating blow to McAfee’s fortune. Having reportedly amassed over $100 million at the peak of his success, his wealth dwindled to an estimated $4 million. The crash forced McAfee to sell off significant assets, including his sprawling estate in Woodland Park, Colorado. Struggling to maintain his lavish lifestyle, McAfee sought a change of scenery and moved to Belize, a small Central American country known for its idyllic beaches and relatively low cost of living.
Carmelita, Belize - November, 16, 2019. An inland property of McAfee
In Belize, McAfee purchased a $1.5 million beachfront property on Ambergris Caye, where he intended to build a tropical retreat. He adopted a freewheeling lifestyle, immersing himself in the local culture while maintaining his eccentric persona. However, his time in Belize soon became a whirlwind of controversy.
McAfee developed a reputation as a polarizing figure on Ambergris Caye. Locals reported frequent parties at his estate, often attended by young women and fueled by drugs and alcohol. Despite his erratic behavior, McAfee appeared to take an interest in the community, donating money to local causes and hiring Belizean workers for various projects.
McAfee’s troubles in Belize began to mount in 2012. Local authorities raided his property, accusing him of operating an unlicensed laboratory and manufacturing drugs. McAfee denied these allegations, claiming that he was experimenting with natural antibiotics, not producing illegal substances. Although he was briefly detained, no formal charges were filed, leading McAfee to allege that the raid was part of a larger campaign to extort him.
Matters took a darker turn later that year when McAfee’s neighbor, Gregory Faull, was found murdered in his home. Faull, a 52-year-old American expatriate, had reportedly complained about McAfee’s unruly behavior and the noise from his numerous dogs. Just days before his death, several of McAfee’s dogs were poisoned—a detail that fueled speculation about a possible feud between the two men.
Faull’s murder sent shockwaves through the local community. He was discovered with a gunshot wound to the head, and his laptop and cell phone were missing. McAfee, who was named a person of interest in the case, insisted on his innocence but refused to cooperate with authorities. Instead, he fled Belize, claiming he feared for his life. According to McAfee, corrupt officials were attempting to frame him for Faull’s murder.
Life as a Fugitive
McAfee’s escape from Belize marked the beginning of a bizarre and chaotic chapter in his life. With the media closely following his every move, he became a fugitive, evading capture through a combination of cunning and sheer unpredictability. He disguised himself, dyed his hair, and employed various aliases to avoid detection. In one particularly outlandish episode, McAfee faked a heart attack in Guatemala to delay extradition to Belize. His dramatic antics earned him both ridicule and admiration, reinforcing his image as a larger-than-life character.
After being deported to the United States in 2013, McAfee attempted to rebuild his life but remained haunted by the events in Belize. The murder of Gregory Faull remains unsolved, and McAfee’s involvement—or lack thereof—continues to be a topic of speculation. Some believe he was framed, while others point to his increasingly erratic behavior as evidence of guilt.
Related: The Untold Connection Between the Menendez Brothers and O.J. Simpson.
McAfee’s time in Belize and subsequent flight from the country revealed the extent of his paranoia and penchant for dramatics. Whether motivated by genuine fear or a desire to control the narrative, McAfee’s actions solidified his reputation as one of the most enigmatic and controversial figures in the tech world.
A Life on the Edge: Cryptocurrencies and Conflict
In the latter part of his life, John McAfee became an outspoken evangelist for cryptocurrency, a passion that would both solidify his status as a tech icon and entangle him in a web of legal troubles. His journey into the world of digital currencies began in earnest in the early 2010s, as Bitcoin and blockchain technology began capturing the attention of investors and technologists alike. Always one to embrace disruptive ideas, McAfee quickly positioned himself as a vocal advocate for the transformative potential of cryptocurrency.
Cryptocurrency Advocacy and Bold Predictions
McAfee's passion for cryptocurrency extended far beyond casual investment. He saw Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other digital assets as tools for decentralizing power and enabling financial freedom. Leveraging his fame as the creator of McAfee Antivirus, he became one of the most recognizable figures in the burgeoning crypto community. McAfee used his social media platforms, particularly Twitter, to share his insights, promote various coins, and offer predictions about the future of the market.
One of McAfee's most infamous moments came in 2017 when he boldly claimed that Bitcoin would reach $500,000 by 2020, later raising the prediction to $1 million. As part of his audacious wager, McAfee declared he would perform an outrageous act on live television if his prediction proved incorrect. The stunt gained significant media attention, reinforcing his reputation as a provocateur. However, as 2020 approached and Bitcoin's price fell far short of his prediction, McAfee admitted that his claims were nothing more than a publicity stunt designed to attract attention to cryptocurrency.
Promoting Altcoins and Accusations of Fraud
While McAfee's advocacy for Bitcoin was relatively straightforward, his involvement in promoting lesser-known altcoins sparked controversy. Through his Twitter account, McAfee endorsed numerous Initial Coin Offerings (ICOs) and smaller cryptocurrencies, often charging fees for these promotions. Many of these projects were speculative at best, and some were outright scams. Critics accused McAfee of misleading his followers by lending credibility to dubious ventures in exchange for financial gain.
In 2018, McAfee revealed that he charged $105,000 per tweet to promote ICOs. Although he defended his actions as part of his business model, the lack of transparency and the questionable nature of many of these projects led to widespread criticism. Regulators began scrutinizing his activities, alleging that he failed to disclose his financial relationships with the companies he promoted.
McAfee's cryptocurrency dealings eventually caught the attention of law enforcement, leading to a series of legal battles. In October 2020, McAfee was arrested in Spain at the request of U.S. authorities, who sought his extradition on charges of tax evasion. According to prosecutors, McAfee had failed to file tax returns for several years despite earning millions of dollars from speaking engagements, consulting work, and cryptocurrency promotions. Instead of reporting his income, McAfee allegedly used a network of bank accounts and cryptocurrency wallets to conceal his earnings.
In addition to tax evasion, McAfee faced charges of securities fraud and money laundering related to his promotion of cryptocurrencies. Prosecutors alleged that McAfee and his associates engaged in "pump-and-dump" schemes, artificially inflating the value of digital assets before selling their holdings for a profit. These accusations added a new layer of complexity to McAfee's legal troubles, casting doubt on his claims of being a genuine advocate for the crypto movement.
Life on the Run and Extradition Battle
True to his unpredictable nature, McAfee spent the final years of his life evading authorities and denouncing what he saw as a politically motivated campaign against him. In interviews and social media posts, he portrayed himself as a victim of government corruption and overreach, claiming that his outspoken criticism of the U.S. government had made him a target.
McAfee's arrest in Spain marked the beginning of a protracted legal battle over his extradition to the United States. Despite his efforts to fight the charges, a Spanish court approved his extradition in June 2021. Just hours after the decision was announced, McAfee was found dead in his prison cell under circumstances that remain the subject of speculation and conspiracy theories.
Despite the controversies surrounding his cryptocurrency activities, McAfee left an indelible mark on the industry. To some, he was a visionary who recognized the transformative potential of blockchain technology long before it entered the mainstream. To others, he was a self-serving opportunist who exploited the nascent crypto market for personal gain. Regardless of perspective, McAfee's larger-than-life persona and bold proclamations ensured that his name would be forever linked to the world of digital currencies.
In retrospect, McAfee's involvement in cryptocurrency encapsulates the duality of his character: a blend of brilliance and recklessness, innovation and chaos. While his actions often courted controversy, they also underscored the disruptive potential of technology—a theme that defined his life from the creation of McAfee Antivirus to his final days as a cryptocurrency evangelist.
The Mysterious Death of John McAfee
On June 23, 2021, John McAfee, was found dead in a Spanish prison cell. His death occurred just hours after a Spanish court approved his extradition to the United States to face charges of tax evasion and securities fraud. Officially ruled as suicide by hanging, the circumstances surrounding his death have sparked a whirlwind of speculation, conspiracy theories, and calls for further investigation.
McAfee’s legal troubles reached a breaking point in October 2020 when he was arrested at Barcelona's El Prat Airport while attempting to board a flight to Istanbul. U.S. authorities alleged that McAfee had failed to report millions of dollars in income derived from speaking engagements, cryptocurrency promotions, and the sale of documentary rights to his life story. If extradited and convicted, McAfee faced decades in prison.
Throughout his incarceration, McAfee maintained his innocence and claimed that the charges against him were politically motivated. In letters and social media posts, he portrayed himself as a victim of government corruption, likening his situation to a modern-day witch hunt. Despite the challenges, McAfee publicly stated that he was optimistic about his legal appeals and his ability to fight the extradition.
Chilling Pre-Suicide Statements
McAfee’s death came as a shock to many, partly because of his repeated insistence that he would never take his own life. In an ominous tweet from October 2020, shortly after his arrest, he wrote:
“I am content in here. I have friends. The food is good. All is well. Know that if I hang myself, a la Epstein, it will be no fault of mine.”
The tweet was widely interpreted as a preemptive warning that his death might be staged to look like suicide. To further emphasize his defiance, McAfee had a tattoo on his arm that read “$WHACKD,” which he claimed symbolized his distrust of powerful entities he believed were targeting him.
Despite his public declarations, Spanish officials concluded that McAfee’s death was a suicide. Preliminary reports indicated that he was found hanging in his cell using a bedsheet. The official explanation stated that McAfee had been distraught over the court’s decision to approve his extradition to the United States.
Disputes Over the Suicide Ruling
McAfee’s widow, Janice Dyson, has been one of the most vocal critics of the official narrative. In an emotional press conference, Dyson recounted her last conversation with McAfee, during which he reportedly told her, “I love you and I will call you in the evening.” She asserted that his words and demeanor were not those of a man contemplating suicide. Dyson has since called for an independent investigation into her husband’s death, citing discrepancies in the Spanish authorities’ account.
One of the key points of contention is the lack of transparency surrounding McAfee’s death. Over two years after his passing, the official autopsy report has not been released, and Spanish officials have refused to repatriate his body to the United States. Dyson has argued that this delay is part of a broader effort to obscure the truth about what happened in McAfee’s cell.
McAfee’s former girlfriend alleges he staged his own death. Samantha Herrera, who was in a relationship with McAfee while he lived in Belize in 2012, claims in a new documentary that the cybersecurity mogul faked his death in a Spanish prison last year and is actually living in Texas. In her account, Herrera recalls receiving a call from McAfee after his supposed death. “It’s me, John. I paid people to pretend I’m dead, but I’m not,” she claims he said, adding that he wanted her to escape with him. At the time of his death, McAfee was facing serious charges, including tax evasion and fraud, and was battling extradition to the United States. In his last interview before passing, McAfee expressed to The Independent that he had no intention of returning to the U.S. and felt there was “zero chance” Spain would extradite him.
Theories of Foul Play
The circumstances surrounding McAfee’s death have given rise to numerous conspiracy theories. Some suggest that McAfee was murdered to prevent him from revealing damaging information about powerful individuals. McAfee himself had claimed to possess over 31 terabytes of incriminating data, which he said would be released automatically if something were to happen to him. However, no such data has surfaced, leaving the validity of his claims in question.
Adding to the intrigue, shortly after McAfee’s death, a cryptic image of the letter “Q” was posted on his Instagram account. Many interpreted this as a reference to the QAnon conspiracy theory, suggesting that McAfee’s death was part of a larger narrative involving government cover-ups and hidden agendas. While the post was quickly deleted, it fueled speculation that McAfee might have faked his death to evade prosecution or that he was silenced by powerful enemies.
A Legacy of Paranoia and Mystery
For those who knew McAfee, his death was both shocking and strangely fitting. McAfee had spent much of his life navigating a precarious balance between paranoia and genius. His outspoken nature, combined with his penchant for living on the edge, made him both a captivating figure and a divisive one. Some of his closest associates believe that McAfee thrived on chaos and controversy, often creating spectacles to distract from his vulnerabilities.
Alex Cody Foster, McAfee’s former ghostwriter, described him as a man consumed by distrust of the world around him. “He always thought someone was out to get him,” Foster said in an interview. “But whether that paranoia was justified or self-inflicted, we may never know.”
To this day, many questions about McAfee’s death remain unanswered. Why has the autopsy report been withheld for so long? Why was there a delay in notifying his family and legal team? And why were surveillance recordings from the hours leading up to his death not made public? These gaps in the narrative have fueled suspicions and left room for theories ranging from plausible to fantastical.
Janice Dyson has vowed to continue fighting for the truth, launching a campaign to pressure Spanish authorities into releasing McAfee’s body and the autopsy findings. She believes that clearing McAfee’s name and uncovering the real circumstances of his death are crucial to preserving his legacy.
John McAfee’s death is a reflection of the chaos and intrigue that defined his life. Whether seen as a tragic end to a misunderstood genius or the ultimate consequence of a life lived recklessly, McAfee’s demise has cemented his status as one of the most enigmatic figures in modern history. His story, rife with brilliance, scandal, and mystery, serves as both a cautionary tale and a fascinating study of the thin line between innovation and self-destruction.
Legacy of a Maverick
John McAfee’s life was a rollercoaster of success, scandal, and controversy. As a tech pioneer, he reshaped the cybersecurity industry, leaving an indelible mark on the digital world. However, his post-tech years were marked by excess and unpredictability, overshadowing his professional achievements.
In death, McAfee remains an enigma. His story serves as a cautionary tale about the perils of ambition and the allure of living on the edge. Whether viewed as a genius, a madman, or a tragic figure, McAfee’s legacy continues to captivate and confound those who seek to understand him.
