Cold Case Files: "I SURVIVED: We're Never Going to Get Out of This Alive"

Release Date: May 24, 2025
Host: Paula Barros
Publisher: A&E / PodcastOne

In this gripping episode of Cold Case Files, host Paula Barros delves into three harrowing survival stories that highlight human resilience in the face of unimaginable terror. Through detailed narratives, Paula brings to life the terrifying experiences of Sharon, Al and Linda with their daughter Hayley, and Misty with her best friend Tanya. Each story not only recounts the victims' ordeals but also underscores the breakthroughs that led to the captors' apprehension.

1. Sharon’s Terrifying Ordeal in North Aurora, Illinois (May 1985)

Sharon, a 21-year-old attending a trade show, recounts her harrowing experience of being followed and brutally attacked by Brian Dugan.

• The Pursuit Begins:

  Sharon narrates how her car stalled at a red light, only to be approached by a man repeatedly offering unsolicited help. Her growing unease is evident when she states at [02:03], “We’re never gonna get out of this alive,” reflecting her escalating fear as the man relentlessly follows her home.

• The Attack:

  As Sharon attempts to back into her complex for safety, the situation takes a dark turn. At [04:39], she describes the moment Brian forcibly opens her car window, stating, “I could feel a knife up against my throat.” The terror intensifies as she is blindfolded and restrained, leaving her at Brian's mercy.

• The Psychological Struggle:

  Sharon emphasizes the mental fortitude required to survive. At [14:00], she reflects, “I ask myself, why didn't he kill me? Every day of my life I survived because I didn't fight.” Her ability to remain calm and focused was pivotal in her survival.

• Brian Dugan’s Capture:

  Two weeks post-attack, Brian was apprehended for a traffic violation. DNA evidence linked him to Sharon’s assault and other unsolved murders, culminating in his conviction and life sentence. Sharon’s resilience not only saved her life but also contributed to bringing a dangerous predator to justice.

2. Al, Linda, and Hayley’s Snowmobiling Nightmare in Lake Umbagog, New Hampshire (March 2008)

Al and his wife Linda, along with their daughter Hayley, experienced a life-threatening situation while snowmobiling, showcasing the family's unyielding spirit and teamwork.

• A Perfect Start Turned Tragic:

  What began as a celebratory snowmobiling trip for Al’s birthday swiftly turned dire when an unexpected blizzard engulfed them. Linda recounts at [17:55], “I saw Haley jump off her sled... And I screamed,” highlighting the sudden shift from joy to panic.

• Struggling Against the Elements:

  Trapped on thin ice and disoriented, Al and Linda faced hypothermia and the imminent threat of the ice giving way. Al reflects at [21:34], “I don't think I'm gonna make it,” a moment that galvanized Linda into action.

• A Miraculous Rescue:

  Linda’s quick thinking and determination were instrumental. As Al teetered on the brink of hypothermic coma, Linda dove for his helmet to guide him back to safety. At [22:34], she describes the emotional reunion, “I can't even tell you the relief when he stood up on that ice.”

• Surviving Together:

  The family's ordeal culminated in finding shelter and receiving urgent medical attention. Their story is a testament to the power of familial bonds and the will to survive against nature's fiercest challenges.

3. Misty and Tanya’s Terrifying Encounter in Abbotsford, British Columbia (October 1995)

Misty and her best friend Tanya faced a brutal attack by Terry Driver, a case that remains one of Canada's most infamous manhunts.

• A Night of Innocence:

  Celebrating with friends, Misty and Tanya decided to walk to Misty's boyfriend’s place, only to be confronted by a menacing figure armed with a baseball bat. Misty reflects at [32:08], “I thought, okay, I can't see. How is he seeing?”

• The Struggle for Survival:

  Faced with the imminent threat of rape, Misty attempted to fight back by seizing the bat, only to be overpowered. At [35:39], she describes the moment she was struck and rendered unconscious, leading to Tanya’s tragic death.

• Aftermath and Justice:

  Misty's survival was marred by the loss of her friend Tanya. The ensuing investigation and the relentless pursuit of Terry Driver led to his eventual capture, aided by public tips following his taunting phone calls. Misty’s perseverance and cooperation were crucial in bringing Driver to justice.

• Emotional Resilience:

  Reflecting on her ordeal at [39:31], Misty states, “I survived because I didn't give up. And now I have a purpose, and that's to help other victims,” highlighting her journey from victim to advocate.

Conclusion: Triumph of the Human Spirit

This episode of Cold Case Files underscores the extraordinary resilience and courage exhibited by individuals facing life-threatening situations. From Sharon’s survival against a serial killer to Al and Linda’s battle against nature, and Misty’s fight for herself and her friend, each story serves as a powerful reminder of the strength inherent in the human spirit. Paula Barros masterfully weaves these narratives, offering not only a recount of events but also the psychological and emotional landscapes navigated by the survivors.

Notable Quotes:

• Sharon at [02:03]: “We’re never gonna get out of this alive.”
• Sharon at [14:00]: “I ask myself, why didn't he kill me? Every day of my life I survived because I didn't fight.”
• Linda at [17:55]: “I saw Haley jump off her sled... And I screamed.”
• Misty at [32:08]: “I thought, okay, I can't see. How is he seeing?”
• Misty at [39:31]: “I survived because I didn't give up. And now I have a purpose, and that's to help other victims.”

This detailed exploration not only sheds light on the dark episodes of these victims’ lives but also celebrates their indomitable will to survive and seek justice. Cold Case Files continues to bring these compelling stories to listeners, honoring the bravery and resilience of those who have endured the unendurable.