Cold Case Files: Episode Summary
Title: I SURVIVED: I Was Looking Right At The Devil's Face
Release Date: August 2, 2025
Host: Paula Barros

Introduction

In this gripping episode of Cold Case Files, host Paula Barros delves into three harrowing survival stories. Each narrative showcases the resilience and courage of individuals who faced unimaginable horrors, providing deep insights into their strength and determination to overcome life-threatening situations. This summary encapsulates the key events, emotions, and conclusions drawn from each survivor's experience.

Kara's Kidnapping and Escape

Location: West Columbia, South Carolina
Date: June 2002
Survivor: Kara, 15 years old

Summary:

Kara recounts her terrifying experience of being abducted by a serial killer while staying at a friend's house. The incident began innocently with a stranger offering her magazines, which quickly escalated to threats and violence.

Key Events:

• Initial Encounter ([02:08]-[02:23]):
  Kara describes the abductor as a "clean-cut, middle-aged white guy" who approached her under the guise of selling magazines.

  "If I had to give the devil a face, I would say I was looking right at the devil's face who faced death."
  ([02:08])

• Abduction ([02:29]-[05:03]):
  The man forcefully led Kara into his car, locking her in a plastic container in the backseat. Kara remained calm despite the dire situation, observing the vehicle's movements to deduce their location.

• Capture and Assault ([05:44]-[10:32]):
  Once at the abductor's residence, Kara was restrained and sexually assaulted. She meticulously gathered information about her captor's household, noting details like the presence of a red-headed woman and various animals, which later proved crucial.

• Prisoner's Dilemma and Escape ([10:53]-[12:39]):
  After being drugged and restrained further, Kara managed to free herself by methodically unlocking her handcuffs and leg restraints. She fled the scene, alerting nearby individuals and eventually leading police to her location.

  "I survived because I was able to keep a calm demeanor. I was smarter than him in the long run."
  ([14:49])

Conclusion:
Kara's unwavering composure and strategic thinking enabled her to escape her abductor. Her bravery not only saved her own life but also led to the discovery of a serial killer responsible for multiple murders. The reward she received empowered her to pursue higher education and a fulfilling career as a sheriff's deputy, turning a traumatic experience into a force for good.

Dan's Earthquake Ordeal in Haiti

Location: Port-au-Prince, Haiti
Date: January 2010
Survivor: Dan

Summary:

Dan shares his harrowing survival story during the catastrophic 7.0 magnitude earthquake that struck Haiti. Tasked with documenting aid efforts, Dan found himself trapped under debris with severe injuries and limited hope.

Key Events:

• Impact and Initial Survival ([17:07]-[18:38]):
  Dan describes the moment the earthquake struck, the chaos, and his immediate injuries from falling debris. Despite being trapped in darkness, he used his camera's flash to navigate his surroundings and assess his situation.

• Rescue Efforts ([20:30]-[23:37]):
  With a bleeding leg and head injuries, Dan utilized a first aid app to stabilize himself. As time passed without rescue, his hope dwindled, leading to a moment of despair. However, a breakthrough moment occurred when he saw a rescuer's signal through the elevator shaft, reigniting his determination to survive.

• Aftermath and Recovery ([28:50]-[29:57]):
  Dan was airlifted to Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami, where he received treatment for his injuries. Reflecting on his survival, Dan attributes his resilience to his mental fortitude and the will to return to his family despite the overwhelming odds against him.

  "I survived because God gave me the presence of mind to use the resources I have to get out of a hard situation."
  ([29:57])

Conclusion:
Dan's story is a testament to human endurance in the face of natural disasters. His ability to remain calm and utilize available resources played a crucial role in his survival. The emotional and physical scars from the earthquake highlight the profound impact such events have on individuals, yet Dan's positive outlook underscores the human spirit's capacity to overcome adversity.

Tameka's Abduction and Assault in Texas

Location: Lancaster, Texas
Date: January 1995
Survivor: Tameka

Summary:

Tameka narrates her dreadful encounter with an assailant known as "T," who brutally attacked her after a seemingly benign interaction. Her story underscores the sudden shift from safety to life-threatening danger and her extraordinary effort to survive the assault.

Key Events:

• Initial Encounter ([31:25]-[32:49]):
  Returning home alone after a New Year's Eve party, Tameka interacted with her neighbor's boyfriend, T, who claimed to be locked out and needed to use her phone. The situation took a dark turn when T became aggressive.

  "If I had to give the devil a face, I would say I was looking right at the devil's face."
  ([33:37])

• Assault ([33:52]-[37:37]):
  T began attacking Tameka with scissors, inflicting multiple stab wounds. Despite severe injuries, Tameka employed survival tactics such as playing dead and limiting her movements to avoid further violence.

• Rescue and Aftermath ([37:48]-[39:36]):
  Tameka's inadvertent call to 911 succeeded, leading to police intervention. T fled the scene but was apprehended shortly after. She endured extensive medical treatment to remove the scissor blade from her ear and survived numerous stab wounds.

  "I survived because I believe that God has another purpose for me. I believe that my prayer of raising my son came to fruition and because of my will to live, that's why I survived."
  ([39:04])

Conclusion:
Tameka's ordeal highlights the fragility of safety and the abrupt nature of violent attacks. Her quick thinking and deliberate actions during the assault were pivotal in her survival. The psychological and physical resilience she exhibited serves as an inspiring example of overcoming extreme trauma and finding purpose beyond suffering.

Final Reflections

Each survivor's story in this episode of Cold Case Files emphasizes different facets of human resilience:

• Kara demonstrates strategic thinking and emotional control under duress.
• Dan showcases the importance of calmness and resourcefulness in natural disasters.
• Tameka highlights survival instincts and the will to live amidst extreme physical trauma.

These narratives collectively underscore the extraordinary strength individuals can summon in the face of life-threatening challenges, offering listeners profound insights into the human capacity for endurance and hope.