Cold Case Files: Episode Summary – "I SURVIVED: I Need Them to Find DNA Underneath My Fingernails"

Released: May 10, 2025 | Host: Paula Barros

This episode of Cold Case Files delves into the harrowing survival stories of three individuals who faced life-threatening situations. Through their firsthand accounts, the episode explores themes of resilience, the pivotal role of DNA evidence in solving crimes, and the psychological aftermath of surviving traumatic events. Below is a detailed summary of each survivor’s story, enriched with notable quotes and timestamps for reference.

1. Stephanie's Ordeal: Surviving an Attempted Murder

Background: Stephanie, residing in Puyallup, Washington, was in a tumultuous relationship with her boyfriend, Cesar, an ex-Marine. Despite their plans to marry, their relationship was marred by frequent breakups and reconciliations.

The Attack: Approximately two months before their wedding, Cesar’s abusive behavior escalated. On May 2006, after a series of manipulative interactions, Cesar violently attacked Stephanie in her home.

Key Events:

• Initial Assault: Cesar confronted Stephanie with a gun, forcing her into a marriage against her will. (03:58)

  "When he came and put his hand up to my neck and put a gun to my head... I thought I made him do that because I kept breaking up and taking him back." – Stephanie

• Escalation: Post-divorce, Cesar's obsession intensified, leading him to stalk Stephanie relentlessly. On a fateful night, he ambushed her at her new residence, subjecting her to brutal physical assaults.

  "When I turned around, Cesar was standing there... he hit me over the head with a wine bottle." – Stephanie (05:46)

• Critical Injuries: Stephanie was shot multiple times, sustaining a collapsed lung and a skull wound. Despite severe injuries, she survived, attributing her survival to divine intervention and her determination to live for her children.

  "How does a bullet go in the back of your neck and travel out the back of your skull and not blow your brains off? I think because God veered every bullet." – Stephanie (14:22)

• Resolution: Police apprehended Cesar shortly after the attack, finding incriminating evidence that linked him to the crime. He was convicted of attempted murder and sentenced to 25 years in prison.

Insights: Stephanie’s story underscores the critical importance of DNA evidence in solving violent crimes. Her relentless pursuit of justice and the preservation of forensic evidence were pivotal in ensuring Cesar's conviction.

2. Witnessing the Columbine High School Massacre

Background: April 1999, Columbine, Colorado. Craig and Crystal were students at Columbine High School during one of the most infamous school shootings in U.S. history.

The Attack: On April 20, 1999, Columbine was thrust into chaos as shooters Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold initiated a deadly assault on the school.

Key Events:

• Initial Confusion: Students initially mistook the attackers’ actions as a prank, not realizing the impending tragedy.

  "I thought some seniors were pulling a prank with firecrackers... but it became real when the shooters came into the library." – Craig (19:01)

• Mass Shooting: Harris and Klebold methodically targeted students and teachers, causing widespread fear and casualties.

  "They were almost playing like they were in a part in a movie... THIS WASN'T A JOKE." – Craig (21:02)

• Survival Tactics: Hiding under tables, praying, and attempting to remain still were common survival strategies among the students.

  "There wasn't a lot of room underneath the tables. It felt as though our arms and our legs were stuck." – Crystal (20:25)

• Aftermath: Twelve students and one teacher lost their lives. Craig's sister, Rachel, was the first victim, a moment that profoundly impacted him and fueled his journey toward forgiveness.

  "Forgiveness was like setting a prisoner free and finding out that prisoner is you." – Craig (29:25)

Insights: The Columbine massacre serves as a stark reminder of the psychological impact such events have on survivors. Craig’s path to forgiveness highlights the potential for personal growth and healing even after unimaginable loss.

3. Rich and Laura's Terrifying Bee Attack

Background: June 2001, Sequoia National Park. Rich and Laura, along with their five-year-old triplets and two other children, embarked on a family hiking trip.

The Attack: During their hike, the family inadvertently disturbed a beehive concealed in a fallen log, triggering a massive bee assault.

Key Events:

• Unexpected Encounter: A swarm of bees attacked the family, leading to chaos and severe allergic reactions.

  "These bees were so intense. They were all over my head... it was so loud and everybody was screaming." – Rich (33:52)

• Medical Emergency: Laura, unbeknownst to her, was severely allergic to bee stings. Her throat began swelling, leading to a life-threatening situation.

  "They asked me, have you ever been stung by a bee? And I said, no. And they said, well, you're allergic to bees, and this could have been fatal." – Laura (40:58)

• Desperate Measures: Rich prioritized the safety of his children, making the heart-wrenching decision to secure them in a vehicle while trying to save Laura.

  "I can't help you. I have the small kids. I'm gonna get them across the river." – Rich (37:21)

• Rescue: Emergency responders arrived in time to stabilize Laura, who survived the ordeal despite sustaining hundreds of bee stings.

  "I survived because I wanted to live. I wanted to be with my family." – Laura (41:53)

Insights: This harrowing experience emphasizes the importance of preparedness and knowledge of family members' potential allergies during outdoor activities. Rich's quick thinking and deep love for his family were instrumental in their survival.

Concluding Reflections

The survivor stories featured in this episode of Cold Case Files illustrate the profound human spirit's capacity to endure and overcome extreme adversity. Each narrative not only highlights the immediate struggle for survival but also delves into the lasting psychological and emotional impacts on the individuals involved.

Notable themes across the stories include:

• Resilience and Survival: Regardless of the nature of the threat—be it violent crime, school shootings, or natural disasters—the survivors demonstrate remarkable strength and determination to live.

• Importance of Evidence: Stephanie's story particularly underscores how meticulous preservation of DNA evidence can be crucial in achieving justice.

• Healing and Forgiveness: Craig's journey from anger to forgiveness showcases the potential for personal healing and the pursuit of positive change even after experiencing profound loss.

• Family and Purpose: Both Stephanie and Rich find motivation to survive through their love for their children and their sense of purpose, highlighting the central role of family in overcoming trauma.

Quotes Reference:

• Stephanie's realization of DNA's importance: (02:33) “I need DNA evidence. I need DNA. I'm gonna die. I need them to find DNA underneath my fingernails.”

• Craig on forgiveness: (29:25) “Forgiveness was like setting a prisoner free and finding out that prisoner is you.”

• Laura's determination to survive: (41:53) “I survived because I wanted to live. I wanted to be with my family.”

This episode serves as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the critical role that both personal determination and forensic science play in overcoming and understanding traumatic experiences.