Cold Case Files: "I Don't Want to Die, I Want to Live"

Host: Paula Barros
Release Date: May 3, 2025

Introduction

In this gripping episode of Cold Case Files titled "I Don't Want to Die, I Want to Live," host Paula Barros delves into three harrowing survival stories. These accounts highlight the resilience of individuals who faced life-threatening situations and emerged stronger. The episode meticulously avoids ads, intros, and outros to focus solely on the intense narratives shared by the survivors.

1. Frederick's Survival Story

Timestamp: 02:06 – 12:43

Background:
Frederick, an 11-year-old boy from South Central Los Angeles, recounts a terrifying home invasion that left him and his mother fighting for their lives.

Narrative Highlights:

• The Attack:
  On a seemingly peaceful night in September 1984, Frederick describes waking up to horrifying screams. A 6-foot-tall intruder, later identified as his 17-year-old neighbor Elmo, violently attacked his mother with a knife.
  Frederick: "He came about 6 inches to my face... he cut me right here on my face." (02:06)

• Fight for Survival:
  As the attacker continued to stab his mother, Frederick grappled with fear and the instinct to survive. Despite severe injuries, including multiple stabbings to his neck, back, arms, and face, he managed to remain conscious.

• Calling for Help:
  In a desperate attempt to save his mother, Frederick tried to use the phone but failed to reach his aunt. His determination led him to seek assistance from nearby neighbors, ultimately alerting the authorities.
  Frederick: "I started beating on this door... and eventually I see these lights from afar off. It was policemen sneaking up on us." (10:43)

• Aftermath and Recovery:
  Three months post-attack, Frederick testified against Elmo, who was convicted and sentenced to 25 years to life. Frederick's recovery was arduous, involving extensive medical treatment and emotional healing.
  Frederick: "My recovery was very, very hard and traumatic... My desire to survive was to live. I refused to die." (12:43)

Key Insights:

• Resilience in Trauma: Frederick's unwavering will to live underscores the human spirit's capacity to endure extreme adversity.

• Impact of Community Support: The swift response from neighbors and law enforcement played a crucial role in bringing justice and aiding Frederick's recovery.

2. Henry and Becky's Plane Crash Survival

Timestamp: 16:52 – 26:52

Background:
Henry and Becky, missionaries returning from hurricane relief efforts in the Bahamas, share their ordeal during a plane malfunction that left them stranded and fighting for survival.

Narrative Highlights:

• The Incident:
  In January 2000, while piloting a small six-seater aircraft, their pilot, Christopher Pierce, suddenly collapsed due to a heart attack, leaving Henry and Becky to navigate the unresponsive plane.
  Becky: "Chris just slowly slumped his head down... I figured maybe the altitude and something happened and made him pass out." (16:45)

• Attempting Control:
  With the pilot incapacitated, Henry and Becky faced the daunting task of landing the plane. Despite their limited flying experience, they relied on Henry's technical knowledge and Becky's instincts to maneuver the aircraft.
  Becky: "I had to fly this Atlantis plane... I was going through all these other feelings and emotions." (18:16)

• Mayday Call and Rescue:
  Their continuous Mayday calls were eventually heard by Dan, a nearby pilot, who guided them through the landing process. Despite the intense pressure, Becky managed to execute a safe landing with Dan's assistance.
  Dan: "Just take it nice slow and easy... We're gonna have to land that thing." (22:23)

• Loss and Gratitude:
  Tragically, Christopher Pierce did not survive the crash, succumbing to his injuries. Henry and Becky expressed profound gratitude for their survival and the unexpected assistance that ensured their safe landing.
  Becky: "I survived because I believe that we trusted in God and he sent an instructor to help us land a plane safely." (26:19)
  Henry: "I survived because it wasn't my appointment... It wasn't our time." (26:52)

Key Insights:

• Importance of Calmness Under Pressure: Henry's composed demeanor was pivotal in navigating the crisis, highlighting how maintaining calmness can lead to effective problem-solving in emergencies.

• Faith and Trust: Both Henry and Becky attribute their survival to their faith and the belief that divine intervention played a role in their safe return.

3. Missy and Mandy's High School Shooting Survival

Timestamp: 28:08 – 38:22

Background:
Missy and Mandy, twin sisters and high school sophomores, recount the harrowing experience of surviving a school shooting perpetrated by their classmate Michael Carneel.

Narrative Highlights:

• The Attack:
  On December 1, 1997, during their morning prayer group, an armed student named Michael Carneel entered the school lobby and began shooting. The sisters describe the chaos and disbelief as friends and classmates were injured or killed.
  Mandy: "He pulled the .22 out of his backpack and started shooting at us... I saw a girl get shot in the head." (30:02)

• Immediate Aftermath:
  Both sisters were struck by bullets, resulting in severe injuries. Missy was paralyzed from the waist down, while Mandy sustained multiple gunshot wounds but survived.
  Mandy: "When she told me the person that had done it... I couldn't see any blood. I had no feeling of the bullet hitting me." (31:35)

• Facing the Perpetrator:
  A decade later, Missy and Mandy met with Michael in prison. The encounter was emotionally charged, leading them to choose forgiveness over lingering hatred.
  Missy: "We decided that hating him was not gonna make her walk again... I survived because I believe in forgiveness." (37:00)

• Healing and Moving Forward:
  Missy overcame her paralysis to lead a fulfilling life, becoming a mother and a school counselor. Mandy dedicated herself to proving that life can continue meaningfully after such trauma.
  Mandy: "I can move on and be the best person that I want to be... I got that second chance." (38:22)

Key Insights:

• Healing Through Forgiveness: The sisters' decision to forgive their shooter underscores the profound impact of forgiveness in the healing process.

• Overcoming Physical and Emotional Scars: Both Missy and Mandy exemplify how individuals can rebuild their lives and find purpose despite significant physical injuries and emotional trauma.

Conclusion

This episode of Cold Case Files offers poignant narratives of survival against unimaginable odds. Frederick's experience of overcoming a brutal home invasion, Henry and Becky's miraculous plane crash landing, and Missy and Mandy's resilience after a school shooting collectively illuminate the depths of human strength and the capacity to rebuild lives after devastation. Paula Barros masterfully presents these stories, honoring the survivors' journeys and the enduring spirit of those who refuse to succumb to their circumstances.

Notable Quotes:

• Frederick: "I didn't want to die. I wanted to live." (04:40)
• Becky: "I survived because I believe that we trusted in God and he sent an instructor to help us land a plane safely." (26:19)
• Missy: "I survived because I believe in forgiveness." (37:00)
• Mandy: "I survived because I have so much more to do in life." (38:22)

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the essence of the episode, providing listeners with an insightful overview of each survivor's story, their challenges, and their triumphs.