Cold Case Files: Episode Summary – "I SURVIVED: I Was Sure He Was Eating My Brain"

Hosted by Paula Barros

Introduction

In the gripping episode titled "I SURVIVED: I Was Sure He Was Eating My Brain", hosted by Paula Barros on Cold Case Files, listeners are transported into the harrowing experiences of three individuals who faced life-threatening situations. Through their vivid recounting, the episode delves deep into themes of survival, resilience, and the human spirit's capacity to overcome unimaginable horrors. The narratives are interwoven with moments of intense fear, strategic defense, and ultimate justice, providing a comprehensive look into the complexities of each cold case.

1. Susan and Mike’s Home Invasion: A Battle for Survival

[01:21 – 14:58]

Setting the Scene: August 1997, Jacksonville, Florida. Susan and her family reside on a rural property, just ten minutes from town. On a seemingly ordinary evening, Susan awaits her 18-year-old son's early return home.

The Invasion Unfolds:

• Susan’s Realization: At [02:21], Susan hears her son’s doorknob jiggling late at night, signaling his unexpected early arrival. As she approaches the door, a [02:49] loud boom announces the arrival of three armed robbers who smash through the front door.

• Immediate Threat: Without making demands, the intruders instill panic. Susan’s immediate instinct is to seek safety, leading her to run toward the bedroom ([03:03]) in hopes that her husband, Mike, can assist her.

The Struggle and Self-Defense:

• Attempt to Hold Back Traitors: Once in the bedroom, Susan fights to keep the door closed while Mike bravely confronts the intruders in the living room.

• Susan’s Critical Injury: During the struggle, Susan is [03:37] shot in the chest, experiencing excruciating pain but prioritizing her husband's safety over her own.

• Heroic Actions: At [05:08], driven by survival instincts, Susan retrieves her husband's .22 caliber pistol. Despite fears of accidentally harming Mike, she makes a conscious decision to defend herself and her family. She fires multiple shots, successfully incapacitating one of the gunmen ([07:18]), but is then shot again, severely injuring her chest ([07:33]).

Escalation and Escape:

• Continued Danger: With Mike critically injured, Susan faces the remaining intruder who threatens her life ([09:52]). Demonstrating remarkable courage, she navigates the dangerous layout of her home to eliminate the threat.

• Police Intervention: [11:48], after enduring immense pain and bleeding, Susan finally sees the flashing blue lights of approaching police. She manages to contact emergency services despite her injuries.

Aftermath and Justice:

• Capturing the Culprits: The surviving gunmen are apprehended ([14:47]), with Robert Walls receiving five life sentences. The getaway driver, Louis Wright, serves three and a half years in jail.

• Susan’s Reflection: Battling trauma, Susan shares her enduring pain and determination to support others, emphasizing the importance of sharing her story to potentially save lives ([15:07]).

Notable Quotes:

• Susan at [05:34]: “If I run out and I shoot, I'm gonna kill my own husband. And I wouldn't be able to live with that.”
• Susan at [14:58]: “He was sentenced to five life terms and has to fulfill 100% of his sentence so he will never be out to hurt anyone else again.”

2. Brent’s Grizzly Bear Attack: Nature’s Ferocity

[18:10 – 29:25]

Setting the Scene: May 2008, Bella Coola, Canada. Brent Wright, a surveyor for a hydroelectric company, is working alone in a remote valley known for its high population of grizzly bears.

The Encounter:

• Unexpected Aggression: As Brent concludes a day’s work and begins his trek back to the truck, he senses an ominous presence. At [18:37], a massive grizzly bear confronts him, leading to a violent attack.

Survival Tactics:

• Playing Dead: Despite the immediate threat, Brent realizes that fighting the bear would be futile. At [19:51], he adopts the "play dead" strategy, hoping to minimize further aggression.

• Terrifying Assault: The bear inflicts severe injuries, including tearing Brent’s scalp and arm, and attempting to consume his flesh ([20:14]).

Moment of Resilience:

• Opportunity to Escape: After enduring four minutes of brutal assault, Brent senses a momentary lull ([24:30]) and seizes the chance to flee toward his truck, despite his debilitating injuries ([25:00]).

• Final Push for Life: Battling intense pain and near unconsciousness, Brent manages to reach his vehicle and seek help, calling his former wife for support before collapsing ([28:24]).

Aftermath and Recovery:

• Bear’s Demise: The attacking bear is shot dead by conservation officers six days later ([28:53]).

• Brent’s Reflection: He credits his will to live and the strength drawn from loved ones for his survival ([29:03]).

Notable Quotes:

• Brent at [20:12]: “This is a massive animal. This is £700 of brute force. And his head is massive.”
• Brent at [28:53]: “I survived because I played dead. I survived because I had the will to live.”

3. Denise’s Ordeal: Overcoming Sexual Assault

[31:37 – 41:58]

Setting the Scene: May 1999, Houston, Texas. Denise returns to her apartment after a shopping trip, eager to attend her nephew’s seventh birthday party.

The Assault Begins:

• Suspicious Encounter: At [31:44], Denise notices a maintenance man acting suspiciously. When she questions his presence at her doorstep, the man infiltrates her apartment without her realization.

• Aggression Unleashed: Denise is forcibly restrained and subjected to a violent sexual assault. The attacker employs both physical brutality and psychological torment, making her fight for survival ([35:01]).

Struggle and Escape:

• Desperate Defense: Despite the overwhelming fear and aggression, Denise uses whatever means she can to resist, including using an iron to defend herself ([33:14]).

• Final Attempt to Flee: After a prolonged and traumatic assault, Denise manages to escape her attacker, only to confront him again outside, leading to further confusion and fear ([38:27]).

Pursuit of Justice:

• Identifying the Attacker: Motivated by determination, Denise collaborates with friends to identify her assailant, leading to the arrest of James Lawrence Stringer ([40:58]).

• Ongoing Vigilance: Denise actively opposes his parole, ensuring that justice remains served and preventing further harm ([41:07]).

Denise’s Reflection:

• Strength and Hope: Denise emphasizes the importance of her children and loved ones in her survival, highlighting the maternal instinct that fueled her fight ([41:07]).

Notable Quotes:

• Denise at [35:24]: “The hardest part about thinking that I was being killed was definitely my kids. To not know who’s going to raise them, if they’re going to live their dreams, how it would be to live without a mother.”
• Denise at [41:07]: “I've got five wonderful kids. A lot to live for.”

Conclusion

The episode "I SURVIVED: I Was Sure He Was Eating My Brain" masterfully intertwines the raw, unfiltered experiences of Susan, Brent, and Denise. Each story, while uniquely harrowing, showcases the indomitable human spirit's capacity to fight against insurmountable odds. Whether facing human malice or the unforgiving forces of nature, these survivors exemplify courage, quick thinking, and unwavering determination. Paula Barros skillfully navigates these narratives, offering listeners not only a window into these cold cases but also inspiring lessons on resilience and the quest for justice.

Notable Inspirational Takeaway:

• Susan at [15:07]: “I believe I survived because one reason is telling my story for other people so that somebody else that was as scared as I was before this happened, may act and react the way that I did and save their own life.”

End of Summary