Cold Case Files - Episode: "I SURVIVED: I Was Hoping He Would Just Think I Was Dead"

Release Date: December 7, 2024
Host: Paula Barros
Podcast: Cold Case Files
Description: This gripping episode of Cold Case Files delves into harrowing true stories of survival against all odds. Hosted by Paula Barros, the episode features testimonies from individuals who faced life-threatening situations, exploring their experiences, the psychological turmoil they endured, and their ultimate triumph over adversity.

1. Introduction

Paula Barros sets the stage for the episode, emphasizing the perilous nature of the stories to be shared and advising listener discretion due to the disturbing subject matter.

“This episode contains subject matter that may be disturbing to some listeners. Listener discretion is advised.”
[00:26] – Marissa Pinson

2. Brandy’s Nightmare

Location: New Philadelphia, Ohio
Date: May 2000

Overview:
Brandy and her friend Liz are preparing for their high school graduation with a sleepover. Their evening takes a terrifying turn when a stranger approaches them, leading to a violent confrontation that results in Liz’s death and Brandy’s miraculous survival.

Key Events:

• Initial Encounter:
  Brandy and Liz agree to give a seemingly harmless man a ride home. The encounter quickly escalates as the man threatens them with a gun.
  “He just said that he needed a ride home... We thought it was safe.”
  [01:35] – Brandy

• Hostage Situation:
  The assailant ties Brandy's hands to the steering wheel and aggressively maneuvers them to a deserted riverbank.
  “I was hoping he would just think I was dead and then leave me there.”
  [01:29] – Brandy

• Attempted Strangulation:
  On the bridge, Brandy endures a brutal attempt to kill her, leaving her barely conscious and injured.
  “He was banging me up against the railing... I couldn't breathe.”
  [10:37] – Brandy

• Miraculous Escape:
  By feigning death and capitalizing on the environment, Brandy manages to evade her attacker by floating with the river’s current and eventually securing her rescue.
  “I believe I survived because of a combination of the love of all my family and friends and my own survival instinct.”
  [16:13] – Brandy

Resolution:
The attacker, Michael Veka, is apprehended after a tip-off from his mother. During the trial, Brandy confronts Veka, expressing the profound loss she endured. Opting for mercy, she requests that the prosecution forgo the death penalty, resulting in Veka being sentenced to life imprisonment.

“The whole time I was saying to him about Liz, just how could you?”
[15:51] – Brandy

3. Joseph and Lorenzo’s Fishing Trip Gone Wrong

Location: Baja, California, Mexico
Date: October 2000

Participants:

• Joseph
• Lorenzo
• Jose (Guide)

Overview:
Joseph and Lorenzo embark on their annual fishing trip, guided by Jose. The journey soon descends into a nightmare as they realize Jose is unlicensed and deceitful, leading them to become stranded on a remote, uninhabited island.

Key Events:

• Deceptive Guidance:
  The trio departs for fishing, but as darkness falls and the boat's direction seems off, suspicions arise about Jose’s intentions.
  “This is not vacation anymore. This is not right.”
  [19:24] – Suzanne

• Stranding on the Island:
  As the boat becomes swamped, Lorenzo falls into the water, injuring himself. They attempt to survive with limited resources, facing extreme dehydration and exposure.
  “We burned this wood through the night.”
  [20:22] – Suzanne

• Desperate Measures:
  With no fresh water and limited food, the men resort to catching fish and consuming sea cucumbers. Lorenzo’s condition deteriorates due to hypothermia.
  “Our goal was the northern end... commercial fishermen would be fishing up there.”
  [23:40] – Suzanne

• Tragic Loss:
  After enduring 13 grueling days, Lorenzo succumbs to the harsh conditions. The remaining men push forward, and a glimmer of hope appears when Jose spots a boat, leading to their eventual rescue.
  “Hardest thing I ever had to do was leave him.”
  [29:24] – Suzanne

Resolution:
Upon rescue, it is revealed that Jose was not a licensed guide, further highlighting the negligence that led to their ordeal. Joseph and Lorenzo's friendship and resilience are underscored as they reflect on their survival.

“I survived because... I just did not want to die at that time at that place.”
[31:13] – Suzanne

4. Sam and Joseph’s Encounter with a Gunman

Location: Fort Smith, Arkansas
Date: November 2003

Participants:

• Sam
• Suzanne
• Michael (Assailant)

Overview:
After attending a funeral, Sam and his friend Joseph decide to drive home. Their journey takes a dire turn when they pick up a stranded motorist named Michael, leading to a terrifying sequence of events where they must fight for their lives.

Key Events:

• Picking Up Michael:
  Feeling compelled to help a man stranded on the roadside, Sam and Suzanne offer assistance, unaware of the impending danger.
  “I thought this could be one of my sons. He could be about their age.”
  [33:20] – Sam

• Hold-Up:
  Michael reveals a hidden gun, coercing them into an unwilling hostage situation. Tensions escalate as he expresses his malicious intentions.
  “I'm afraid we're going to have to keep driving.”
  [35:05] – Sam

• Psychological Warfare:
  Michael manipulates and threatens the hosts, pushing Sam to the brink as they traverse the countryside under threat of death.
  “I'm taking the safety off the gun... I won't hesitate to kill one of you.”
  [36:38] – Marissa Pinson

• Desperate Defense:
  As the situation becomes increasingly perilous, Sam seizes a moment to defend himself, resulting in a violent confrontation.
  “I fired eight shots, but only hit with three.”
  [39:13] – Marissa Pinson

• Survival Instinct:
  Embodying sheer willpower, Sam and Suzanne manage to survive the assault, with Suzanne’s quick thinking preventing further tragedy.
  “We survived and that's all that matters.”
  [42:00] – Sam

Resolution:
The assailant, Scott Eisenberg, is arrested following a police alert from a store clerk. Eisenberg, with a history of violence, is convicted on multiple murder charges and sentenced to death, bringing closure to the harrowing ordeal faced by Sam and Suzanne.

“I survived because... I just did not want to die at that time at that place.”
[31:13] – Suzanne

5. Reflections and Insights

Throughout the episode, the survivors highlight the crucial role of mental resilience and the support of loved ones in their survival. They share profound insights into the human spirit’s capacity to endure and overcome unimaginable challenges.

“The powers of your mind. If you let it do its job, it can do amazing things.”
[16:13] – Brandy

Conclusion

Paula Barros masterfully weaves together these intense narratives, offering listeners a deep dive into the intricacies of survival, the psychological battles fought by victims, and the relentless pursuit of justice. Each story serves as a testament to human resilience and the profound impact of unwavering hope.

Notable Quotes:

• “I was hoping he would just think I was dead and then leave me there.”
  [01:29] – Brandy

• “I believe I survived because of a combination of the love of all my family and friends and my own survival instinct inside of me.”
  [16:13] – Brandy

• “I just could not do that anymore. If you go over it in your mind, you go over it in your mind.”
  [41:25] – Sam

• “I'm Bound for the Promised Land.” (Song title hummed by Sam during ordeal)
  [38:00] – Joseph

This episode of Cold Case Files not only recounts the harrowing experiences of its survivors but also delves into the psychological fortitude required to navigate life-threatening situations. Through meticulous storytelling and emotional depth, Paula Barros brings these cold cases to life, honoring the bravery and resilience of those who have survived the unthinkable.