Cold Case Files

Episode: I SURVIVED: I Closed My Eyes and He Popped A Round Off
Release Date: May 17, 2025
Host: Paula Barros

Cold Case Files, hosted by Paula Barros, delves into some of America's most chilling and unresolved murder cases. In this episode, "I Survived: I Closed My Eyes and He Popped A Round Off," listeners are taken on a harrowing journey through two extraordinary survival stories that highlight resilience, determination, and the relentless pursuit of justice.

Barbara and Nancy's Tragic Encounter (1977)

Setting: September 1977, Spring Lake, North Carolina

Barbara, a 16-year-old high school student, and her best friend Nancy find themselves on the second day of high school. Eager to avoid the usual post-school crowds, the two girls decide to take a shortcut through the woods, leading them to a deserted clearing that would soon become the scene of a nightmare.

The Attack: As Barbara and Nancy relax by the bank, enjoying cigarettes and chatting about typical teenage subjects like boys and school, Nancy suddenly senses they're being watched. "Somebody's spying on us," Nancy remarks ([00:50]). Barbara initially dismisses the thought, assuming it's her younger sister, but her suspicions grow when they spot a man dressed in army fatigues approaching them.

Paula Barros narrates the terrifying encounter:
"He let his AK47 dangle around his neck and he pulled out a 9 millimeter and chambered, pointed at my face and lived to tell how" ([02:07]).

The attacker ties Barbara and Nancy to the ground using his bootlaces, forcibly dragging them deeper into the woods. Barbara describes the man's unsettling calmness despite wielding a deadly weapon:
"His voice was just kind of flat and matter of fact. I really didn't hear any anger in his voice" ([05:12]).

Nancy's Fate: Tragically, Nancy does not survive the assault. Barbara recounts the moment she realizes Nancy is grievously injured:
"I saw Nancy laying there. She was nude from the waist down. There was blood all over her back" ([08:03]).

Surviving Against the Odds: Despite the brutal attack, Barbara manages to survive. She details the horrifying physical trauma she endured:
"He sawed across my throat three times... and then he let my head drop back down to the ground" ([09:28]). Believing she was near death, Barbara clings to life by breathing through her throat wound, eventually stumbling to safety to seek help.

Justice Served: Barbara's unwavering determination led to the identification of her attacker, Sergeant Stephen Silen from Fort Bragg.
"I knew that he was him once I got to picture number five" ([15:41]).

Silen was initially sentenced to death in 1979, a verdict that was later overturned. In a subsequent trial, he was sentenced to life in prison in 1981. Barbara's pursuit of justice didn't end there; she tirelessly attended parole hearings to ensure Silen remained incarcerated. Her experience fueled her passion for law enforcement, leading her to a distinguished career as a sheriff's detective.
"I've spent these last 33 years trying to make sure he never gets out" ([16:35]).

Glenn's Harrowing Captivity in Colombia (2001)

Setting: November 2001, Colombia, South America

Glenn, a seasoned judo master and motorcycle enthusiast, embarks on a solo expedition to ride his motorcycle to the tip of South America. However, his adventure takes a life-threatening turn when he encounters guerrilla rebels in a remote Colombian jungle.

The Capture: Approaching a quiet, winding road near Bogota, Glenn is abruptly stopped by armed men clad in black sweatpants and long-sleeve shirts, brandishing AK47s.
"I'm not gonna eat anymore... I'm going out of here one way or another" ([34:58]).

Despite his attempts to communicate and keep his family details private to avoid ransom demands, Glenn is subjected to weeks of brutal treatment, including forced marches, starvation, and severe physical abuse.

Surviving the Ordeal: Driven by sheer willpower and his training in martial arts, Glenn devises a plan to fake illness to manipulate his captors.
"I will survive, I will survive" ([30:41]).

His strategy involves self-inflicted injuries to appear weaker, leading the rebels to underestimate him. This tactic culminates in a dramatic escape attempt, where Glenn's desperate actions force the rebels to release him, resulting in his rescue by the International Red Cross and an FBI hostage rescue team.

Aftermath and Reflection: Weighing only 170 pounds after entering the jungle at 220, Glenn reflects on his survival:
"I survived this ordeal because I set out with a goal... as long as we stay focused on our goals, we're going to prevail" ([40:38]).

Despite the traumatic experience, Glenn completes his 20,000-mile motorcycle journey, embodying resilience and the unyielding human spirit.

Concluding Insights

This episode of Cold Case Files not only highlights the brutal realities of violent crimes but also showcases the extraordinary strength individuals can muster to survive and seek justice. Barbara's relentless pursuit of her attacker's conviction and Glenn's survival against seemingly insurmountable odds serve as powerful testaments to human endurance and the will to overcome adversity.

Paula Barros expertly weaves these narratives, offering listeners a profound understanding of the emotional and psychological landscapes navigated by survivors. Through detailed storytelling and firsthand accounts, Cold Case Files continues to shed light on the darkest corners of criminal history, ensuring that these stories of survival and justice are remembered and honored.

Notable Quotes:

• "He let his AK47 dangle around his neck and he pulled out a 9 millimeter and chambered, pointed at my face and lived to tell how" — Barbara ([02:07])

• "I will survive, I will survive" — Glenn ([30:41])

• "I've spent these last 33 years trying to make sure he never gets out" — Barbara ([16:35])

This comprehensive summary captures the essence of the episode, providing a detailed and engaging overview for those who haven't listened while highlighting key moments and personal testimonies from the survivors.