Cold Case Files: "I SURVIVED: I Know That I'm Probably Going to Die"

Host: Paula Barros
Release Date: January 25, 2025
Description: This episode of Cold Case Files delves deep into three harrowing survival stories, each showcasing the resilience and courage of individuals who faced life-threatening situations. Hosted by Paula Barros, the episode highlights the psychological and physical challenges endured by survivors of a hijacking, a shark attack, and a brutal home invasion.

Introduction

In the latest episode of Cold Case Files, Paula Barros presents three compelling survival narratives that defy the odds. Each story not only recounts terrifying moments but also explores the aftermath and long-term impacts on the survivors. The episode is a poignant reminder of human endurance and the will to survive against unimaginable odds.

Jackie's Nightmare: Surviving a Deadly Hijacking

Timestamp: [00:40] - [19:15]

Jackie recounts her harrowing experience aboard Egypt Air Flight 648 in November 1985. As the plane climbed to cruising altitude, a group of hijackers, identified as five revolutionaries, seized control, leading to chaos and violence.

Key Events:

• Initial Hijacking: Jackie describes the sudden shift from a routine flight to a life-threatening situation when hijackers armed with guns and grenades take over the aircraft. She notes, “I thought, oh my goodness, we’re being hijacked” ([02:35]).

• Gun Battle and Passenger Reactions: An undercover sky marshal initiates a shootout, resulting in injuries and panic among passengers. Jackie observes, “The hijacker went down and shot her again and again and again until she didn’t move anymore” ([07:16]).

• Nose Dive and Depressurization: The plane begins to lose altitude and pressure due to bullet holes in the fuselage, leading to the release of oxygen masks. Jackie shares the terror of seeing mothers clutching their children, fearing imminent death ([04:42]).

• Personal Confrontation and Survival: When it’s her turn, Jackie faces the lead hijacker, Omar Mohammed Rezak. Despite her fear, she attempts to remain calm, saying, “It’ll be okay. It’s all going to be okay” ([09:56]). She is shot in the head, an experience she describes as feeling like her “brain had just exploded” ([15:29]).

• Miraculous Rescue: Believing she’s been fatally wounded, Jackie plays dead only to discover medics had boarded the plane, leading to her eventual rescue ([15:33]). The hijacking concludes with Egyptian commandos storming the plane, resulting in 59 fatalities, including Jackie’s attacker, who survives and is sentenced to life imprisonment ([18:13]).

Aftermath: Jackie suffers from impaired vision, memory loss, and emotional trauma but emerges with a profound life lesson: “Living with no regrets” ([18:30]). She emphasizes the importance of expressing love to loved ones daily, crediting her survival to not being “ready to go” yet.

Todd’s Battle: Escaping a Deadly Shark Attack

Timestamp: [22:10] - [31:33]

Todd narrates his terrifying encounter with a great white shark while surfing at Marina State Park in Monterey, California, in August 2007. What began as a serene surfing session swiftly turned into a fight for survival.

Key Events:

• The Attack: While paddling back after catching a wave, Todd is violently struck by a shark, resulting in severe injuries as the shark bites down on his leg ([22:38]). He describes the instinctive fight response, repeatedly hitting the shark’s head to free himself ([24:02]).

• Dolphin Intervention: Just when hope seems lost, a pod of dolphins arrives, forming a protective barrier between Todd and the shark. Their aggressive behavior distracts the shark, allowing Todd a chance to escape ([26:15]).

• Critical Injuries and Rescue: With his back ripped open and leg severely lacerated, Todd struggles to swim back to shore. His friend Joe Jansen assists him, but Todd is in critical condition, having lost 50% of his blood by the time he reaches the beach ([29:09]). Medical professionals conduct a seven-hour surgery to repair his extensive injuries ([30:17]).

Aftermath: Todd credits his survival to both his friends’ quick actions and the timely intervention of the dolphins. Although he returned to surfing six weeks later, the psychological scars remain, limiting his confidence and reach in the water ([31:07]).

Stephanie’s Ordeal: Surviving a Brutal Home Invasion

Timestamp: [32:06] - [41:07]

Stephanie shares her traumatic experience of surviving a violent home invasion in June 1993. As a single parent in Cincinnati, Ohio, Stephanie became the target of her neighbor, Lou, who brutally attacked her in the middle of the night.

Key Events:

• The Attack: Stephanie wakes to find Lou in her doorway, leading to a violent confrontation where she is repeatedly strangled and raped while her three-year-old son is present ([32:25] - [35:15]). The ordeal lasts five agonizing hours, during which her son instinctively defends her by attacking the assailant ([37:23]).

• Moment of Clarity and Escape: As Stephanie regains consciousness, she finds her attacker gone. Bloodied and disoriented, she navigates through her disheveled home, managing to escape despite severe injuries ([37:58]). Her attempts to seek help are thwarted until she finally reaches a convenience store and is able to call 911 ([39:07]).

• Legal Resolution: Lou is convicted of rape, attempted murder, and burglary, receiving a 10 to 25-year sentence, of which he serves 13 years ([40:29]). Despite his imprisonment, Stephanie grapples with the lasting emotional impact, especially concerning her now-teenage son ([40:57]).

Aftermath: Stephanie reflects on the profound loss and trauma inflicted by the attack, stating, “He stole my youth. He stole my dreams” ([40:42]). She also expresses concern for her son’s emotional well-being, acknowledging the enduring sadness that both she and her child carry ([40:57]).

Key Insights and Conclusions

Through these harrowing narratives, Cold Case Files underscores the fragility of human life and the extraordinary capacity for survival. Jackie’s resilience in the face of a deadly hijacking, Todd’s fight for his life against a great white shark, and Stephanie’s endurance through a brutal home invasion each highlight different facets of human strength and the will to survive.

Common Themes:

• Survival Instinct: Each survivor tapped into a deep-seated instinct to stay alive, whether through strategic thinking, physical resistance, or sheer willpower.
• The Role of Others: Support systems, whether in the form of a sky marshal, fellow passengers, dolphins, friends, or even a child, played crucial roles in their survival.
• Long-term Impact: The physical and psychological scars left by these events are evident, emphasizing that survival often comes with ongoing challenges.

Final Reflections: Paula Barros concludes the episode by reflecting on the importance of resilience and the human spirit. The survivors’ stories serve as powerful reminders of what individuals can endure and overcome, even in the bleakest circumstances.

Notable Quotes

• Jackie:

  • “Living with no regrets. There is not a day that goes by that by the end of the day, I make sure I say to the loved ones that are in my life that I love them.” ([18:30])

• Todd:

  • “I didn't feel pain. Your body shuts off that mechanism of pain.” ([25:21])
  • “I think the shark would have eaten me if the dolphins hadn't distracted or hurt him.” ([31:00])

• Stephanie:

  • “He stole my youth. He stole my dreams. He gets to live his life, and I don't get to live my life.” ([40:42])
  • “That's extremely tough. Very tough. Because he, although he was young and I, you know, he may not recall all that, but I believe there's a sadness.” ([40:57])

Conclusion

"I SURVIVED: I Know That I'm Probably Going to Die" is a testament to the indomitable human spirit. Through the stories of Jackie, Todd, and Stephanie, Cold Case Files provides an unflinching look at the darkest moments individuals can face and the incredible strength required to overcome them. These narratives not only honor the survivors' experiences but also offer inspiration and insight into the complexities of survival and healing.