Cold Case Files: "I SURVIVED: I Was Going to Have to Cut My Leg Off"

Host: Paula Barros
Release Date: March 1, 2025

Introduction

In this gripping episode of Cold Case Files, hosted by Paula Barros, listeners are taken through three harrowing survival stories that highlight human resilience in the face of unimaginable terror and physical trauma. Each narrative delves deep into the circumstances surrounding the victims' ordeals, their fight for survival, and the eventual resolution of their cases. This summary encapsulates the key moments, emotional testimonies, and the investigative breakthroughs that bring these cold cases to light.

April's Ordeal: A Nightmare in Paris, Tennessee

Timestamp: [01:03] – [15:39]

Summary:

April’s story begins in November 2005 in Paris, Tennessee, where she agrees to give her ex-boyfriend Brandon and his friend Virgil a ride for a joyride. What starts as a seemingly innocent trip quickly descends into a nightmare as Virgil turns violent.

Key Points:

• The Ride Turns Deadly: April recounts how Virgil abruptly pulls Brandon from the passenger seat into the back, leading to Brandon being strangled ([02:28]).

  April [02:32]: "I was hitting Virgil and pushing him. I didn't know what to do."

• Virgil's Brutality: Virgil assaults April multiple times, both physically and sexually, in an isolated cemetery location. April describes the terror she felt, the physical pain, and the psychological manipulation Virgil employed to keep her subdued.

  April [05:13]: "I didn't want to die. I knew that if I didn't get away, he was going to kill me."

• Attempted Murder: Virgil attempts to burn April alive by pouring gasoline on her and her car, trapping her in the trunk engulfed in flames. April utilizes the emergency release cord to escape just as a passing car fails to stop despite her desperate cries for help.

  April [12:04]: "I knew he was doing something and he was moving really fast... I pulled it and everything went black."

• Aftermath and Recovery: April survives severe burns and disfiguring injuries, including third-degree burns to nearly half her body and the loss of parts of her hands. Virgil is eventually apprehended, pleading guilty to multiple charges, while Brandon remains uncharged and out of contact.

  April [14:32]: "He never gave me any reason as to why. It was happening, except he felt as though he was being set up."

Notable Quotes:

• April [07:20]: "I was just looking around, trying to figure out, if I run, where can I run to?"
• April [15:06]: "I survived because I watched a show... the fact that my clothes were wet, the fact that it was raining really saved my life."

Mark's Survival: Courage in the Face of Tragedy

Timestamp: [16:54] – [27:04]

Summary:

In April 1984, Mark, working alone on oil wells in southeastern Illinois, faces a life-threatening accident when his right leg becomes tragically caught in a drive shaft. With his leg gruesomely severed below the knee, Mark finds himself in a dire situation requiring immediate and drastic action to survive.

Key Points:

• The Accident: Mark describes the moment his leg was caught in the drive shaft, leading to severe injury and immense blood loss. The absence of a safety guard exacerbates the severity of the accident.

  Mark [17:56]: "There was nothing left of my leg below the knee. It was really a moment of disbelief."

• Desperate Measures: Realizing the fragility of his condition, Mark decides to amputate his leg to free himself from the machine. Utilizing his training and a hunting knife, he performs a self-amputation, driven by sheer will to survive.

  Mark [19:09]: "I was running out of options, and I had to change the situation very quickly."

• Survival and Rescue: After cutting off his leg, Mark crawls for over 100 yards to seek help. Thanks to a makeshift tourniquet, he manages to stay conscious long enough to be discovered and receive medical attention.

  Mark [21:34]: "I survived because of the grace of God given me the opportunity..."

• Medical Recovery and Aftermath: Mark undergoes multiple surgeries and extensive rehabilitation, eventually returning to work within nine months. The oil well type that caused his injury is subsequently decommissioned. Today, Mark serves as a news and sports director, having overcome his traumatic past.

  Mark [27:04]: "I survived because of the grace of God given me the opportunity..."

Notable Quotes:

• Mark [19:53]: "I knew I was in danger, and I had to act fast."
• Mark [22:00]: "There was nothing left of my leg below the knee."

Jesse's Terrifying Encounter: Surviving a Savage Attack

Timestamp: [28:40] – [39:50]

Summary:

Jesse’s story unfolds in April 1983 in Pampa, Texas, during a fierce snowstorm. En route to Chicago, Jesse picks up two hitchhikers, an act that quickly turns into a fight for his life when the men reveal their violent intentions.

Key Points:

• Picking Up the Hitchhikers: Despite initial reservations and his mother's warnings, Jesse decides to help the men after feeling compassion for their dog.

  Jesse [28:54]: "I felt sorry for the dog, so I said, okay, guys..."

• Sudden Assault: As they drive on a remote, icy road, one of the men brandishes a hammer and launches a brutal attack, striking Jesse repeatedly. In a split-second decision, Jesse accelerates the van to escape, temporarily halting the assault.

  Jesse [32:07]: "I went very fuzzy and unclear... I didn't go unconscious."

• Desperate Escape: Attempting to flee again, Jesse suffers a concussion, broken ribs, and a collapsed lung. Despite his severe injuries, he musters the strength to crawl to the highway, where he is eventually rescued by compassionate responders.

  Jesse [36:44]: "I stood holding my right hand up, trying to stop a car, and no one would stop."

• Legal Resolution: The local police face challenges in the investigation, but a Texas Ranger’s persistence leads to the capture of the assailants, who are eventually sentenced to lengthy prison terms.

  Jesse [38:11]: "I survived because there's something that I'm supposed to do..."

Notable Quotes:

• Jesse [33:02]: "I thought I've seen this in movies before."
• Jesse [37:14]: "I survived because there's something that I'm supposed to do..."

Conclusion

This episode of Cold Case Files powerfully illustrates the extraordinary lengths to which individuals will go to survive life-threatening situations. Through April, Mark, and Jesse’s stories, listeners witness not only the physical and emotional toll of these traumatic events but also the unwavering human spirit that drives survival against all odds. The detailed recounting of each case underscores the importance of resilience, quick thinking, and sometimes sheer luck in overcoming the darkest of circumstances.

Case Resolutions

• April's Case: Virgil is convicted of attempted murder, kidnapping, assault, and sexual assault, receiving a 35-year prison sentence. Brandon, however, is not charged and has since ceased contact with April.

• Mark's Case: Despite the horrific accident, Mark fully recovers and returns to a productive life, transitioning to a role in media.

• Jesse's Case: The attackers are apprehended 1,400 miles away in North Carolina. Richard Vaught receives a 15-year sentence, while Kendall Novelli is sentenced to 30 years for attempted murder.

This episode not only recounts personal tales of survival but also highlights the relentless pursuit of justice by investigators, transforming cold cases into resolved stories that offer closure and a testament to human endurance.