Cold Case Files: "I SURVIVED: I Did Not Allow Myself To Consider The Probable Outcome"

Release Date: July 12, 2025
Host: Paula Barros
Platform: A&E / PodcastOne

Introduction

In the gripping episode titled "I SURVIVED: I Did Not Allow Myself To Consider The Probable Outcome," host Paula Barros delves into three harrowing survival stories. Each narrative showcases extraordinary resilience in the face of life-threatening situations, highlighting the human spirit's capacity to overcome unimaginable adversity.

1. Danielle's Ordeal: A Night of Terror

Timestamp: [01:40] – [15:55]

Danielle, an amateur actress from Conway, South Carolina, recounts her terrifying experience in June 2010. After a theater performance, Danielle was driving home with her 12-year-old daughter when she encountered a distressed young man at a gas station.

Key Moments:

• Encounter at the Pump: Danielle describes noticing the young man because he was alone and appeared defeated. He requested a ride, which Danielle, moved by empathy and concern for her own daughter, decided to help despite her reservations.
  Danielle: "He didn't appear to be with anybody. He was just standing there... I've been walking for hours." [02:44]

• Transformation of the Stranger: As they approached a seemingly safe neighborhood, the young man's demeanor shifted dramatically. He revealed a gun, turning the situation from one of kindness to sheer terror.
  Danielle: "He went from boy, helpless, submissive, well-mannered boy, to a very menacing, violent, cold, calculating man." [04:41]

• Desperate Escape: Realizing the imminent danger, Danielle attempted to flee by crashing the car into a tree, resulting in a gunshot wound to her head. Despite the severe injury, she managed to survive, thanks to her quick thinking and sheer will to live.
  Danielle: "I did not allow myself to consider the probable outcome, which was that I would die entirely alone, in great pain in the middle of the wilderness who faced death." [02:49]

• Call for Help: Injured and alone, Danielle ran towards a lit house, where neighbors responded by calling emergency services. Her attacker was apprehended shortly after, leading to his confession of intent to harm her severely.
  Danielle: "I survived because I didn't let him take me to wherever it was he intended to take me." [15:21]

2. Amy's Survival in the Wilderness

Timestamp: [18:11] – [30:10]

Amy, a seasoned hiker from Kings Canyon National Park, shares her harrowing experience of surviving a devastating fall and surviving alone in the wilderness.

Key Moments:

• The Fall: While navigating a steep, unmaintained trail in Thipite Valley, Amy lost her footing and plummeted 60 feet down a ravine, sustaining severe injuries, including a gaping wound in her knee and broken legs.
  Amy: "I went plunging 60ft with nothing below me but solid rock. I couldn't believe I was still alive." [19:36]

• Immediate Aftermath: Despite excruciating pain and limited mobility, Amy prioritized her survival by treating her wounds, conserving her remaining food, and preparing for the cold night ahead.
  Amy: "I did not allow myself to consider the probable outcome, which was that I would die entirely alone, in great pain in the middle of the wilderness." [23:28]

• Determined Escape: With broken legs and minimal hope, Amy dragged herself towards a nearby trail, utilizing every ounce of her strength and determination to seek help. Her relentless efforts culminated in attracting the attention of fellow hikers who ultimately rescued her.
  Amy: "I survived because of a combination of my own determination and a whole sequence of miracles." [29:37]

3. Mark's Fight for Survival in Mexico

Timestamp: [31:55] – [42:24]

Mark, a 66-year-old fishing boat captain from Mazatlan, Mexico, recounts his brutal assault by a stranger who escaped from a military mental hospital.

Key Moments:

• Initial Encounter: Mark describes how a seemingly desperate man approached his boat, requesting to borrow the VHF radio for an emergency. Mark's skepticism increased when the man became hostile and threatened violence if his requests weren't met.
  Mark: "He said, you know, I should just stick you with a knife right now." [33:38]

• Violent Attack: A week after the initial encounter, the assailant returned, this time with a knife, launching a vicious attack that left Mark with severe stab wounds. Despite his injuries, Mark's instinct to survive propelled him to fight back, resulting in the attacker fleeing.
  Mark: "He just kept staring at me and just kept pulling the knife out and stabbing and stabbing." [35:14]

• Immediate Response: With heavy blood loss and critical injuries, Mark was rushed to the hospital where multiple surgeries and extensive blood transfusions saved his life. The attacker was later identified as a Navy SEAL battling substance abuse and was sentenced to 23 years in a Mexican prison.
  Mark: "He says those were the worst stab wounds he had ever seen on anybody. And I worked in ER for almost 30 years." [41:53]

• Reflection: Mark attributes his survival to a combination of his physical condition, quick protective actions from his shipmate Pancho, and perhaps a bit of divine intervention.
  Mark: "I think a lot of prayers from heaven helped me a whole bunch." [42:24]

Conclusion

"I SURVIVED: I Did Not Allow Myself To Consider The Probable Outcome" is a testament to human resilience and the will to live against all odds. Through Danielle, Amy, and Mark's stories, listeners are reminded of the strength that lies within when faced with life-threatening challenges. Paula Barros masterfully weaves these narratives, providing not only suspenseful storytelling but also profound insights into survival instincts and the factors that contribute to overcoming dire circumstances.

Note: This summary excludes all advertisements, promotional content, and non-relevant sections to focus solely on the compelling survival stories presented in the episode.