48 Hours: "It Could Have Been Me: Anne Crony" - Episode Summary

Introduction

In the gripping episode titled "It Could Have Been Me: Anne Crony," hosted by CBS News' Anne-Marie Green and field producer Lauren Clark, 48 Hours delves into the harrowing true story of Ann Crony—a resilient survivor who escaped an attempted attack by Patrick Nicholas in 1983. This detailed summary captures the episode's key points, discussions, insights, and conclusions, providing an engaging narrative for those who haven't listened to the episode.

Background of the Case

The episode begins by highlighting the unsolved murder of Sarah Yarbrough, a 16-year-old girl found strangled on her high school campus in Seattle in December 1991. Despite initial investigations pointing towards a sexually motivated crime, the case remained cold for nearly three decades due to limited DNA technology available at the time.

Lauren Clark explains:

"The case went cold for nearly 30 years until a forensic genetic genealogist was able to crack the case." [03:04]

In 2019, advancements in forensic genetic genealogy led to the identification of Patrick Leon Nicholas as the perpetrator. DNA from a cigarette he discarded matched the evidence found on Sarah's clothes, solidifying his connection to the crime.

Ann Crony's Story

Ann Crony, a 21-year-old server and lifeguard from Richland, Washington, shares her traumatic experience of surviving an attempted attack by Patrick Nicholas in 1983. On June 13, 1983, following the tragic loss of a close friend, Ann sought solace by the Columbia River.

Ann Crony recounts:

"I pulled into the parking lot and got out of the car and sat on the bumper of my car." [06:25]

Within minutes, Nicholas approached her, initiating a seemingly casual conversation. Ann's instincts signaled danger when Nicholas mentioned he couldn't swim—a seemingly odd statement given the recreational nature of the Columbia River.

Lauren Clark notes:

"Her alarms were going off in her head at that point." [07:54]

As the situation escalated, Nicholas brandished a knife, forcing Ann to undress and threatening her. Despite the terrifying circumstances, Ann's quick thinking and presence of mind enabled her to escape by diving into the river, capitalizing on Nicholas's inability to swim.

Ann Crony describes:

"I swam for my life. All I had on was my tennis shoes, and I swam to a dock and started screaming for help." [11:03]

Connection to Sarah Yarbrough's Murder

Fast forward to 2019, when Patrick Nicholas stood trial for Sarah Yarbrough's murder. It was during this period that Ann was contacted by detectives investigating the cold case. Upon learning about Sarah's tragic fate and recognizing similarities to her own experience, Ann realized that Nicholas had been released early on parole after serving only three and a half years for his prior offenses.

Ann Crony reflects:

"The police never told me, he is now out. I was crushed." [15:27]

This revelation brought a wave of emotions for Ann, grappling with survivor's guilt and anger over the injustice that allowed Nicholas to commit another heinous crime.

Patrick Nicholas' Arrest and Trial

Lauren Clark details the process leading to Nicholas's arrest:

"Police went to track him down. They visited his apartment... They tracked him down to the Midwest, and within a few weeks, they arrested him." [12:10]

Nicholas pleaded guilty to first-degree attempted rape and was sentenced to a maximum of ten years in prison. However, his early release in 1987, particularly after admitting to having problems with raping girls, added another layer of trauma for Ann when she learned of his subsequent crimes.

Lauren Clark emphasizes:

"He confessed and he wrote in his confession, I realize I have a problem concerning raping girls." [17:04]

Ann's Impact and Aftermath

Ann's courage extended beyond her survival. In 2019, during Nicholas's trial for Sarah Yarbrough's murder, Ann attended and chose to sit directly behind Nicholas in the courtroom. Her presence symbolized her unwavering commitment to justice not just for herself but also for Sarah.

Ann Crony expresses her determination:

"I could easily jump up. I put my hands around his neck, or I could slam his face into the table." [21:04]

During the sentencing hearing, Ann delivered a powerful victim impact statement:

"We rely on a system of justice that is designed to protect us from predators like Nicholas. And this system failed me. It failed Sarah, her family, friends, and countless others. I ask the court to please not make the same mistake." [23:26]

Her statement underscored the critical failures within the justice system and the dire consequences of early parole for violent offenders.

To reclaim her sense of safety and empowerment, Ann participated in a triathlon, swimming in the very river where she had once been attacked.

Ann Crony shares:

"I felt like I reclaimed all of that, and there's no fear to stop me from doing what I love to do." [26:30]

Conclusion

The episode concludes by celebrating Ann Crony's resilience and her pivotal role in bringing Patrick Nicholas to justice for Sarah Yarbrough's murder. Her story serves as a testament to the strength of survivors and the importance of advancements in forensic science in solving cold cases. Ann's journey from victim to advocate highlights the profound impact one individual's courage can have on the pursuit of justice.

Lauren Clark reflects:

"She took back that part of her life. She decided to do a triathlon... She reclaimed this." [25:49]

Key Takeaways

• Survivor Resilience: Ann Crony's ability to survive an attempted attack and persevere through decades of trauma illustrates the remarkable strength of human resilience.

• Forensic Advancements: The role of forensic genetic genealogy in solving cold cases underscores the importance of technological advancements in criminal investigations.

• Justice System Failures: The early release of Patrick Nicholas highlights significant lapses within the justice system, particularly concerning the parole of violent offenders.

• Empowerment Through Action: Ann's participation in the triathlon symbolizes her reclaiming of power and defiance against her past trauma.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Ann Crony: "I swam for my life. All I had on was my tennis shoes, and I swam to a dock and started screaming for help." [11:03]

• Lauren Clark: "Her alarms were going off in her head at that point." [07:54]

• Ann Crony: "We rely on a system of justice that is designed to protect us from predators like Nicholas. And this system failed me. It failed Sarah, her family, friends, and countless others. I ask the court to please not make the same mistake." [23:26]

• Ann Crony: "I felt like I reclaimed all of that, and there's no fear to stop me from doing what I love to do." [26:30]

This episode of 48 Hours not only sheds light on a specific case but also underscores broader themes of justice, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of truth. Ann Crony's story is a poignant reminder of the impact one person's bravery can have on unraveling long-buried truths and advancing societal understanding of crime and justice.