Cold Case Files: “I SURVIVED: I Only Realized It Was A Knife When I Felt It Going In and Out”

Release Date: July 5, 2025
Host: Paula Barros
Episode Overview:
In this harrowing episode of Cold Case Files, Paula Barros delves into the chilling true story of Tenille, a young woman from Columbia, Maryland, who survived a brutal stabbing and assault in January 1996. Despite the passage of decades, the perpetrator remains at large, leaving Tenille’s case among the haunting unsolved mysteries that Cold Case Files seeks to illuminate.

1. Introduction to Tenille’s Story

Timestamp: [02:43]
The episode opens with Tenille Pinson, a 20-year-old bank employee, recounting the unsettling events that unfolded on a seemingly ordinary Friday evening in January 1996.

Quote:
"This is I survived. It's January 1996 in Columbia, Maryland. Tenille is 20 years old and works at a bank."
— Tenille Pinson [02:43]

2. The Encounter at the Bank

Timestamp: [02:58]
Tenille describes a disturbing interaction with a man wearing a Kango hat and sunglasses—distinctive attire that made him stand out among the bank’s patrons. His inappropriate questions and unsolicited advances created an uncomfortable atmosphere.

Quote:
"He said, can I take you out? Or, you know, you're very pretty. What's your nationality? Just asking me a bunch of questions that weren't really, you know, bank related."
— Tenille Pinson [02:58]

Despite her polite refusal, the man reacted violently, verbally lashing out and drawing unwanted attention from coworkers and customers.

3. The Traumatic Assault

Timestamp: [02:30 - 10:08]
After leaving work, Tenille's ordeal took a terrifying turn when, in the parking lot, a masked attacker with a Kango hat brandished a knife near her jugular vein. The ensuing minutes were a nightmare of fear, violence, and a desperate fight for survival.

Key Moments:

• Initial Threat:
  "I just turned, there was a man holding a knife. He had one of those bandana masks on."
  — Tenille Pinson [03:56]

• Demanding Compliance:
  "He said, make a left. Make a right... turn into the lake."
  — Tenille Pinson [05:36]

• Realization and Rape:
  "And that's when the raping started. I don't know really how long it took."
  — Tenille Pinson [05:36]

• Turning the Tide:
  "I pushed him off of me and I hit him. And the first hit felt good. And so I just kept hitting him over and over again."
  — Tenille Pinson [05:36]

• The Stabbings:
  "I didn't realize I had been stabbed. It's felt like he had punched me. And I only realized that it was a knife because I felt it go in and out. It was really fast. It was just, you know, stabbings. Just, you know, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8. Stabbings."
  — Tenille Pinson [05:36]

4. Aftermath and Survival

Timestamp: [10:08 - 13:17]
After the assault, Tenille managed to escape her vehicle, fleeing to her boyfriend’s mother’s home for help. She was rushed to the hospital in critical condition, having endured multiple stab wounds that required extensive medical intervention.

Quote:
"When I woke up, my face was sutured and my head was shaved. And they had to suture up all the stabbings."
— Tenille Pinson [12:20]

Despite the severe injuries and trauma, Tenille's resilience shone through as she recounted her determination to survive and her ongoing struggle with the psychological aftermath.

5. The Unresolved Case

Timestamp: [13:17]
One of the most unsettling aspects of Tenille's story is that her attacker was never apprehended, leaving her with lingering fears and unanswered questions.

Quote:
"The man who raped Tenille has never been caught."
— Tenille Pinson [13:17]

6. Tenille's Path to Healing

Timestamp: [13:21 - 40:16]
The episode transitions to discussing Tenille’s journey post-assault, highlighting her battle with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and her efforts to reclaim her life. Tenille turned to writing as a therapeutic outlet, eventually publishing three novels inspired by her experiences and establishing an alter ego to navigate her trauma.

Quote:
"I survived because I wanted to live and I had the determination to get out of that situation. I survived because I fought back."
— Tenille Pinson [13:21]

7. Insights and Reflections

Timestamp: [28:07 - 29:24]
Through her story, Tenille emphasizes the power of choice in survival situations—choosing to fight back and seek help as pivotal moments that enabled her survival. The episode underscores the importance of resilience and the human spirit in overcoming unimaginable adversity.

Quote:
"I survived because I have a lot to do. I had a lot to do and I'm still doing."
— Tenille Pinson [39:30]

8. Conclusion

Despite the passage of time, Tenille’s case remains unresolved, emblematic of the daunting statistics where one-third of all murders in America remain unsolved. Cold Case Files brings attention to such cases, honoring survivors like Tenille and advocating for renewed investigative efforts aided by advancements in forensic technology.

Key Takeaways:

• Resilience in the Face of Trauma: Tenille's unwavering determination to survive showcases the incredible strength of the human spirit.

• The Importance of Cold Case Investigations: Unsolved cases like Tenille's highlight the need for persistent investigative efforts and advancements in forensic science.

• Long-Term Impacts of Violence: The episode poignantly illustrates the enduring psychological and physical scars left by violent crimes, emphasizing the necessity for comprehensive support systems for survivors.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• "I pushed him off of me and I hit him. And the first hit felt good."
  — Tenille Pinson [05:36]

• "I survived because I fought back."
  — Tenille Pinson [13:21]

• "Dead people can't answer phones."
  — Tenille Pinson [35:36]

Cold Case Files continues to shed light on the darkest corners of unsolved crimes, providing a platform for survivors' voices and advocating for justice that transcends time.