Cold Case Files: I SURVIVED – I Wanted Him to be as Afraid of Me as I Was of Him

Host: Paula Barros
Release Date: April 19, 2025
Description: Cold Case Files, hosted by Paula Barros, delves into some of the most challenging unsolved murders in American history. This episode, titled "I Wanted Him to be as Afraid of Me as I Was of Him," features harrowing survival stories that highlight the resilience and courage of individuals who faced life-threatening situations.

Introduction

In this gripping episode, Paula Barros presents three intense survival narratives that exemplify the human spirit's capacity to endure and overcome unimaginable horrors. Each story is meticulously detailed, offering listeners a profound insight into the traumatic experiences of the survivors and the subsequent investigations that sought justice.

Susan Kunhausen: A Terrifying Home Invasion Turned Matrimonial Nightmare

Timestamp: 02:07 – 14:08

Susan Kunhausen, an emergency room nurse from Portland, Oregon, shares her harrowing experience of surviving a violent home invasion orchestrated by someone she never suspected. Susan’s story begins with her recognizing the escalating dangers in her 17-year marriage, characterized by her husband's increasing anxiety, abandonment issues, and anger.

Key Points:

• Separation and Rising Tensions: Susan describes how her relationship deteriorated, leading her to separate from her husband due to concerns for her safety. Despite the separation, her husband maintained access to her home, setting the stage for the ensuing tragedy.

• The Home Invasion: On a seemingly normal evening, Susan returned home to find an intruder—later revealed to be her estranged husband—armed with a hammer. She recounts, “I was absolutely terrified. I knew in my core that he was here to kill me” (02:07).

• Fight for Survival: Demonstrating immense bravery, Susan fought back fiercely. “I grabbed him by the throat...you’re not going to kill me in my home” (02:38). Her resourcefulness and sheer will allowed her to incapacitate the attacker temporarily, resulting in his unconsciousness.

• Aftermath and Realization: Police later connected the dots when Susan recognized her husband’s voice in threatening messages found on her phone. Michael Kunhausen was arrested and sentenced for solicitation to commit aggravated murder. Susan reflects, “It’s a very humbling thing to know that somebody wants you dead” (13:28).

• Survival and Resilience: Susan emphasizes the factors that aided her survival, including her training and adrenaline, stating, “I survived because I had training in how to avoid injury in violent situations” (13:28).

Notable Quotes:

• “I survived because I had training in how to avoid injury in violent situations.” – Susan Kunhausen (13:28)
• “The worst of this is not that someone tried to kill me, but that I had to kill someone else to survive.” – Susan Kunhausen (12:48)

John and Jean Kunhausen: Battling the Elements for Survival at Sea

Timestamp: 16:36 – 29:32

John and Jean Kunhausen embarked on a two-year sailing journey with their four children aboard the catamaran Emerald Jane. Their dream of living at sea took a catastrophic turn when their vessel struck a reef in the Society Islands, leaving the family stranded and fighting for survival.

Key Points:

• Life at Sea: The Kunhausens' voyage was marked by a desire to impart a love for nature and togetherness to their children. “I wanted my kids to experience nature firsthand,” says John (16:36).

• The Disaster Strikes: A malfunction with the boom led to the catamaran being smashed against a reef. Amidst chaos, John suffered severe leg injuries when the mast violently struck him. “I see the white of these two bones...there’s this spreading pool of blood” (20:23).

• Family's Determination: Despite John's critical condition, the family remained determined to survive. Their children displayed remarkable courage, particularly 16-year-old Ben, who crafted a tourniquet to save John's life. Jean notes, “I survived because of the determination, the will, and the love of my family” (28:46).

• Rescue Efforts: After enduring seven hours on the reef with limited resources, the family's emergency signals were finally detected by a French Navy pilot, leading to their rescue. John acknowledges Ben’s pivotal role: “Ben is a real life example of a boy becoming a man in seconds” (28:04).

• Aftermath: John lost his leg below the knee but remained focused on the survival and well-being of his family. “I survived because of the strength of belief and the inspiration...by my wife and by my kids” (28:58).

Notable Quotes:

• “I chose life because I could not leave my 16-year-old daughter without a mother.” – Jean Kunhausen (40:38)
• “Ben is a real life example of a boy becoming a man in seconds and never looking back.” – John Kunhausen (28:04)

Penny: A Harrowing Ordeal of Robbery and Resilience

Timestamp: 31:55 – 41:04

Penny, a restaurant manager from Evansville, Indiana, recounts her terrifying experience of surviving a brutal robbery that left her with severe injuries and long-term psychological trauma. Her story underscores the profound impact of such violent encounters on survivors.

Key Points:

• A Day in the Life: Penny was tasked with managing a struggling franchised restaurant. Her professional success coincided with personal happiness, illustrated by her engagement.

• The Robbery: While performing her routine duties of securing the restaurant, Penny was ambushed by an unidentified assailant who demanded access to the safe. “He put the gun on my shoulder and said, see this? This is real” (33:07).

• Brutal Assault: The attacker inflicted severe physical trauma, including beating her and forcing her into a plastic bag, leading to near-suffocation. Penny describes, “He broke open my lip...I was sucking the bag into my mouth” (37:30).

• Escape and Aftermath: Demonstrating incredible resilience, Penny managed to chew through the bag and free herself, eventually dialing 911. Despite her efforts, the response was delayed, and the police officer on the scene mishandled her pleas, exacerbating her trauma.

• Long-Term Impact: Penny suffered extensive injuries, including brain damage and the removal of her uterus. The assailant was never apprehended, leaving her with lasting physical and emotional scars. She reflects, “I survived that night because I had to live for my daughter” (40:38).

• Recovery and Advocacy: Overcoming immense fear, Penny rebuilt her life, marrying her fiancé and founding a ministry to support victims of sexual assault, channeling her trauma into helping others.

Notable Quotes:

• "He put the gun on my shoulder and said, see this? This is real." – Penny (33:07)
• “I survived that night because I had to live for my daughter.” – Penny (40:38)

Conclusion

This episode of Cold Case Files powerfully illustrates the indomitable human spirit through the true stories of Susan Kunhausen, John and Jean Kunhausen, and Penny. Each survivor's account provides a unique perspective on fear, resilience, and the will to survive against all odds. Paula Barros masterfully navigates these narratives, offering listeners both heart-wrenching and inspiring insights into the complexities of surviving life-threatening situations.

Notable Quotes Overview:

• “I survived because I had training in how to avoid injury in violent situations.” – Susan Kunhausen (13:28)
• “Ben is a real life example of a boy becoming a man in seconds and never looking back.” – John Kunhausen (28:04)
• “I survived that night because I had to live for my daughter.” – Penny (40:38)

These poignant reflections not only underscore the personal strength of the survivors but also serve as a testament to the transformative power of survival and the unyielding drive to preserve one’s life and loved ones.

This summary aims to encapsulate the essence of the episode, providing a comprehensive and engaging overview for both new listeners and longtime fans of Cold Case Files.