Southern Cannibal's Scary Stories

Episode 631: 6 TRUE Scary & UNSETTLING Horror Stories
Release Date: January 24, 2026
Host: Southern Cannibal

Main Theme & Purpose

In this episode, Southern Cannibal narrates six true stories submitted by listeners and Reddit users that range from unsettling encounters in public places to deeply personal brushes with violence and predatory behavior. Each story plunges into the raw and frightening reality that horror isn’t just limited to fiction—it can happen to anyone, anywhere. The tone is conversational and empathetic, capturing the shock, anxiety, and lingering impact of each experience.

Story 1: The Stalker in Dollar Tree

(00:03 – 06:21)

Overview:
A mother recounts a chilling experience she had in a Dollar Tree with her 10-year-old daughter in 2006, when they were trailed by a strange man throughout the store.

Key Points:

• The mother initially allows her daughter to browse alone on a nearby aisle, checking in regularly.
• She notices a tall man lingering, not shopping, with a "strange vibe":

  "He didn't seem to be looking at anything in particular. And honestly, not looking at anything at all. It was more like he was just waiting for something and it kind of set off my senses and it gave me a strange vibe." (A, 00:31)

• Every time they move, the man follows them to different parts of the store.
• She becomes increasingly nervous, instructs her daughter to stay at her side, and decides to check out and leave.
• At checkout, the man positions himself to leave at the same time; they rush to their car and manage to escape before he catches up.
• The mother takes a long way home to ensure they are not being followed.
• The event haunts both mother and daughter years later:

  "Whatever he actually wanted. I really hope to never be in that kind of situation again." (A, 05:48)

Memorable Moment:
The continual anxiety as the man closes in each time they change locations amplifies the sense of being hunted within a mundane, everyday environment.

Story 2: The Film School Incident—Improvised Horror

(06:23 – 09:27)

Overview:
A British television production student recalls a disturbing incident involving two male classmates, sexist behavior, and an "improvised" but very real act of restraint and humiliation against a female peer named Louise.

Key Points:

• Louise, admired in the class, is paired with two male classmates, Mike and James, for a film project.
• Despite initial reluctance, Louise is convinced to act and is taped to a chair for a "home invasion" scene.
• The situation devolves when they gag her with duct tape—not in the script—causing terror and pain:

  "She was about to suggest that they pause, but before she could get the words out, she felt duct tape quickly being wrapped around her mouth. This took her by surprise as this was not in the script." (A, 07:47)

• The men film her panic under the pretense of "getting a real reaction."
• After being freed, Louise is furious; the men face only a warning from their lecturer.
• Both men continue to work in the industry, highlighting the prevalence of unpunished bad behavior:

  "The fact that these two continue to work in the industry despite their views and behavior leaves a really bad taste in the mouth." (A, 08:54)

Memorable Moment:
The betrayal of trust and power dynamics in a supposedly collaborative educational setting underscores real-world horror beyond ghosts and monsters.

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(09:27 – 10:24)

Story 3: Escaping a Trafficker—A Near Miss with a Killer

(10:24 – 17:54)

Overview:
A young woman describes a harrowing period from age 15 to 19, involving an online relationship with a Serbian man who evolved from sweet to abusive, culminating in a near escape from possible trafficking or worse.

Key Points:

• She meets "Martin" online, falls in love, and is manipulated into secrecy.
• His behavior shifts to paranoia and verbal abuse; then he offers to "marry" her and arranges to smuggle her into Serbia.
• She attempts to flee Germany for Serbia in a van, but her mother orchestrates her safe recovery by alerting police and convincing the van driver to let her off.
• Her father, furious, threatens her physically; her family is shaken.
• She later learns Martin was implicated in the torture and murder of another girl:

  "After three months I've heard from someone that he's accused for the organized kidnapping, torture and murder of a girl who was also 17 at the time... she was found in a sewer... she had also been repeatedly penetrated by glass bottles." (A, 16:40)

• Martin continues to stalk her online for years; trauma leaves her distrustful of relationships.
• Closing warning:

  "Don't lose your logical thinking just because you've happened to fall in love. Love is no longer what it used to be. Now it's used as a weapon." (A, 17:46)

Memorable Moment:
The revelation that the man she narrowly escaped was capable of murder and torture, paired with her honest, hard-won caution about trust.

Story 4: The Junkie in Our Garage

(17:55 – 21:44)

Overview:
A narrator reflects on a childhood event where an armed confrontation occurred after a recently bailed junkie was found sleeping in the family garage.

Key Points:

• The narrator is away, but the parents discover a stranger's sneakers under some insulation in their half-workshop garage.
• Father calmly retrieves a gun and subdues the intruder while the police are called.
• The police arrive 45 minutes later, arrest the man, who had planned to steal tools but was too high/exhausted.
• Court proceedings reveal the man’s recent release from jail and a drug-related history.
• With hindsight, the narrator realizes the proximity to greater danger, since a hidden house key was kept in the garage:

  "If he had gotten into the house, what could have happened that night?" (A, 21:26)

Memorable Moment:
The chilling realization that a seemingly contained event could have turned tragic, emphasizing the importance of vigilance and preparedness.

Story 5: Black Friday Mall Shooting Scare

(21:45 – 26:34)

Overview:
A 19-year-old male with high-functioning autism retells his experience during an active shooter event at the mall while working at a Santa photo booth.

Key Points:

• The mall is bustling with holiday crowds and family photo sessions.
• Suddenly, crowds stampede and people shout "Get down."

  "We hear this massive stampede of footsteps... we first see a panning corner crowd of people running towards the exit. Presumably we then hear a booming voice. Get down." (A, 22:45)

• The narrator, his coworkers, and several frightened families hide behind a cubby.
• SWAT arrives; they safely evacuate. After the ordeal they learn only three victims and no deaths.
• Narrator reflects on life's fragility and lingering unease:

  "Never thought my first job would have this happen, but we can never predict these things." (A, 26:24)

Memorable Moment:
The moment of hiding with "Santa" and families, using a phone camera to ensure everyone's safety, personalizes the horror and chaos.

Story 6: Midnight Intruder in Mexico

(26:35 – 30:36)

Overview:
A family’s night is disrupted by a man trying to break into their home during a power outage in a small Mexican town, highlighting the psychological aspect of terror and parental denial.

Key Points:

• The narrator is woken by knocking and whistling, then hears her mother urgently whisper:

  "Don't move." (A, 28:12)

• A man tries doors and windows but eventually leaves.
• The mother downplays the event, later admits the man was the same person who asked if she was alone on the phone.
• The family faces limited police options and the narrator is unsure how to protect themselves.

Memorable Moment:
The mother's attempt to minimize the danger for her children's peace of mind, contrasted with the stark reality, amplifies the feeling of helplessness.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments Recap

• On danger in public spaces:
  "It felt sinister. Whether it was or not, to this day my daughter brings this story up every now and then and it's been almost 20 years since it happened and I still get sick to my stomach whenever I think about it." (A, 05:39)

• Real-life horror in relationships:
  "Love is no longer what it used to be. Now it's used as a weapon." (A, 17:46)

• On handling intruders:
  "I'm grateful my parents were armed and knew how to handle this situation. Stay safe, stay vigilant, and take care everyone." (A, 21:36)

Timestamps and Story Order

1. Dollar Tree Stalker – 00:03
2. TV Course Gag Incident – 06:23
3. Online Lover Turned Potential Trafficker – 10:24
4. Garage Junkie Confrontation – 17:55
5. Mall Active Shooter Scare – 21:45
6. Midnight Intruder in Mexico – 26:35

Conclusion

This episode offers chilling, real-life stories that highlight both the everyday and extraordinary threats people encounter. The retellings stress vigilance, the unpredictability of human behavior, and the long-lasting impact of trauma. Southern Cannibal narrates with respect for the gravity of each situation, giving listeners not only scares but also much to reflect on about trust, safety, and awareness.