Cold Case Files: Episode Summary – I SURVIVED: I'm Locked Up Like a Dog. I Can't Escape

Introduction

In this gripping episode of Cold Case Files, host Paula Barros delves into two harrowing survival stories that underscore the resilience of the human spirit in the face of unimaginable adversity. The episode, titled "I SURvived: I'm Locked Up Like a Dog. I Can't Escape," first aired on January 11, 2025, and explores a tragic maritime disaster and a prolonged prison hostage siege. Through detailed narratives and firsthand accounts, Paula Barros brings to light the intense struggles, loss, and ultimate survival experienced by the individuals involved.

Part 1: Reverend Albert’s Ordeal – Tragedy at Lake Sabine

Background

In April 2008, Reverend Albert, his wife Carolyn, and their four children—Cherie, Sherri, Leatris, and their respective spouses—enjoyed regular family fishing outings at Lake Sabine, Texas. These excursions were cherished moments of togetherness and relaxation.

The Incident

On what seemed like a typical fishing day, Reverend Albert recounts the sudden onset of unusually large waves that threatened the safety of their 17-foot aluminum boat. Despite initial assurances that the boat was in good condition, the escalating waves made it impossible to navigate back to shore.

Reverend Albert [02:31]: "More and more water was getting in the boat. And that second time I tried to crank the boat and it cranked, but it wouldn't go."

Struggle and Loss

As the family grappled with the capsizing vessel, panic set in. Carolyn, who couldn’t swim, struggled to stay afloat alongside her children and spouses. Over several hours, hypothermia set in, leading to the tragic loss of Carolyn, Cedric, and Christopher.

Cherie [08:05]: "And he said, she not breathing, y'all. She not breathing. And when he said that, it was like we were all frozen, you know? And I was like, not my mama. Lord, not my mama."

Reverend Albert and his daughters, Cherie and Sherri, managed to cling to the remains of the boat, but as darkness fell, their chances of rescue diminished. Despite Reverend Albert’s unwavering determination to survive, the cold water’s lethal embrace claimed the lives of three family members.

Survival and Rescue

After enduring nine exhausting hours in the icy waters, Reverend Albert was miraculously rescued by a fire department vessel. The intervention saved his life, but the weight of losing his wife and two sons-in-law left an indelible mark on his spirit.

Reverend Albert [20:09]: "I'd have to say I survived because of my girls and because of God."

Aftermath and Reflection

The aftermath of the tragedy saw Reverend Albert grappling with immense loss. The community's support was palpable at the funeral, attended by over 2,000 members. Reverend Albert’s resilience and faith became a beacon of hope, emphasizing the profound impact of family and unwavering belief in life.

Reverend Albert [42:02]: "I survived because I look at myself as a survivor and not a victim. I survived because my family was out there and I needed to get back with them. I survived because I love life."

Part 2: Officer Lois’s Nightmare – The Longest Prison Hostage Siege

Introduction to Lois and the Prison Setting

Fast forward to January 2004 in Buckeye, Arizona, Lois, a dedicated prison officer at Arizona State Prison, begins her night shift in the watchtower alongside Officer Jason. The facility, housing over 4,000 inmates, is accustomed to routine until an unexpected crisis erupts.

The Siege Begins

During a routine patrol, Officer Jason is assaulted by an inmate named Wassener, who viciously attacks him with an industrial paddle. This shocking betrayal sets off a chain of events leading to the capture and hostage-taking of Lois and Jason by Wassener and his accomplice, inmate Coy.

Leatris [24:51]: "Leatris: Of course I get handcuffed first. And Jason's screaming and he's yelling and he's bleeding and I'm trying to figure out, asking what's going on, you know, let's talk about this, you know..."

Hostage Experience

For 15 excruciating days, Lois remains held hostage in the watchtower. Throughout the siege, she endures physical abuse and psychological torment, including sexual assault by both Wassener and Coy. Despite the dire circumstances, Lois employs strategic thinking and emotional resilience to survive.

Leatris [38:19]: "I'm locked up like a dog. I can't escape."

Negotiation and Resolution

As the days drag on, negotiators engage with the inmates, aiming to de-escalate the situation. Despite demanding extraordinary concessions, including the presence of family members and specific food items, the authorities work tirelessly to resolve the standoff without further bloodshed.

On the 15th day, a breakthrough occurs when negotiators convince inmate Coy's Uncle Bob to intervene. This pivotal moment shifts the dynamics, allowing negotiators to overpower Wassener and Coy, leading to Lois's rescue.

Leatris [40:28]: "We came out of the tower. The officers are telling Wasser exactly what to do. Turn around, drop everything, walk backwards, lay down..."

Aftermath and Sentencing

The siege marks the longest prison hostage situation in U.S. history. Following her rescue, Lois reflects on the profound changes the ordeal imparted on her life, emphasizing personal growth and newfound perspectives on life and family.

Leatris [42:02]: "I survived because I look at myself as a survivor and not a victim. I survived because my family was out there and I needed to get back with them."

Legally, both inmates faced severe consequences. Coy received seven consecutive life terms, while Wassener was sentenced to 16 life terms plus 28 years, albeit initially pleading not guilty.

Leatris’s Reflection

Throughout her ordeal, Lois emphasizes the importance of viewing herself as a survivor and the central role her family played in her determination to persevere.

Leatris [42:02]: "I survived because I love life."

Conclusion

This episode of Cold Case Files masterfully intertwines two distinct yet equally compelling survival stories, highlighting themes of resilience, faith, and the unyielding will to survive. Reverend Albert's tragic loss and subsequent survival juxtapose sharply with Officer Lois’s brutal captivity and eventual liberation, offering listeners profound insights into human endurance and the complexities of survival against all odds.

Paula Barros’s empathetic narration and inclusion of poignant firsthand quotes provide an intimate glimpse into the lives transformed by these harrowing experiences. Whether grappling with the unforgiving forces of nature or the malicious intent of fellow humans, the individuals featured in this episode exemplify the extraordinary capacity to overcome and find meaning amidst profound suffering.