The Miracle Files: Episode 33 – "Stolen From Her Bed: Bella's Abduction"

Released May 19, 2025 by Radio America

Introduction

In Episode 33 of The Miracle Files, hosts Holly Worthington and Emily Jones delve into a harrowing true story that intertwines crime, divine intervention, and unwavering faith. Entitled "Stolen From Her Bed: Bella's Abduction," this episode recounts the terrifying abduction of five-year-old Bella Clark and the miraculous circumstances that led to her rescue. The narrative not only highlights the darkness of true crime but also underscores the profound light of hope and divine guidance.

Background

The story begins in June 2003, in Riverside, California, where five-year-old Bella Clark lives with her father and older sister Amanda, following her parents' divorce. Bella's life oscillates between two homes, sharing a strong bond with her sisters Clara and Amanda. The family is struggling financially, prompting Bella's father to invite his bandmate, Bill Mix, to live with them and assist with household expenses.

Clara Clark, Bella's nine-year-old sister, observes Bill's increasing involvement with Bella. Despite his soft-spoken demeanor and generous gestures—such as taking the sisters out to dinner and buying gifts—Clara becomes uneasy with Bill's disproportionate attention toward Bella, recognizing a troubling pattern.

Clara (03:28): "He would often take Bella and her two sisters, Clara and Amanda, out to dinner and would buy them gifts. Although he bought more gifts for Bella, when Clara visited her sisters, she began to notice a trend Bill was doing more and more with 5-year-old Bella."

The Abduction

One fateful morning in early June, Amanda wakes up only to find Bella missing. Panic ensues as the family scrambles to locate her, discovering that she has seemingly vanished without a trace.

Emily Jones (00:43): "But no one had seen Bella. It was as if she had vanished into thin air."

During a frantic search of the house, Bella's father discovers a chilling letter in Bill's bedroom confessing to the kidnapping. Bill claims he abducted Bella to provide her with a "better life" and makes a disturbing proposal involving their family’s pet parrot.

Clara (05:19): "In return, my sister's dad could keep the parrot, Bill's pet parrot, and he would understand if... she could not leave in return."

With an Amber Alert issued for Bella, Bill sets off in his car, crossing state lines into Nevada, potentially escaping the reach of law enforcement.

Lisa Hilton's Divine Intervention

Meanwhile, in Richfield, Utah, Lisa Hilton faces her own challenges—her babysitter cancels at the last minute, leaving her in a bind. As she scrambles to find a substitute, an unexpected sense of unease guides her path.

Lisa Hilton (08:34): "I make the turn to go into the cul de sac. And right off the bat I noticed this little girl and she's eating what appears to be a little Happy Meal or something... I thought, what are you doing?"

As Lisa drives by a church house where she notices a man and a young girl, a powerful, almost imperceptible voice urges her that "she does not belong with him." Initially skeptical, Lisa's intuition grows stronger, compelling her to act despite doubts.

Lisa Hilton (09:27): "Very strongly, Ms. Spirit said, she does not belong with him. I thought, what? What do you mean?"

Following this inner prompting, Lisa contacts the Richfield City Police Department, requesting a welfare check. Upon returning, she witnesses the same man and girl, providing the police with critical information that leads to Bella's rescue.

Emily Jones (13:28): "How did you know? Her name is Annabella. And she is kidnapped out of Riverside, California this morning."

Rescue and Aftermath

Bella was found alive but traumatized, with evidence of her ordeal discovered in Bill's camper. Bill Mix was apprehended and faced severe legal repercussions, including a sentence of over 350 years for multiple felony counts.

Clara (16:04): "Bella had gone through a nightmare and would now need time and therapy to heal. But her family was so incredibly grateful to have their sweet little girl home again."

Despite the resolution, the episode highlights ongoing challenges, particularly concerning California's elderly parole laws. Bella's sister, Clara, spearheads efforts to enact the "Mary Bella Law," aimed at preventing violent sexual predators from being released on parole prematurely.

Legal Proceedings and Advocacy

In early 2024, Clara and Bella discovered that Bill Mix was eligible for a parole hearing due to California’s elderly parole law, which allows inmates over 50 to seek parole after serving 20 years of their sentence. Reacting swiftly, Clara mobilizes support, gathers opposition letters, and engages with organizations to prevent Mix's release.

Clara (20:33): "This law has very little stipulations... So we found this out about early spring 2024. And I spent the rest of spring, summer and fall contacting anybody I could..."

Their relentless advocacy resulted in the denial of Bill Mix's parole, ensuring he remains incarcerated and unable to harm others.

Miraculous Timing and Divine Guidance

Lisa Hilton's pivotal role is framed as a miracle, orchestrated by divine intervention. The hosts emphasize the critical timing that placed Lisa at the exact moment needed to prevent further tragedy.

Lisa Hilton (17:40): "If I had been 10 minutes sooner, they wouldn't have been there... It's all about timing."

Clara, who identifies as spiritual rather than religious, views the events as an act of God, underscoring the episode's central theme of light prevailing over darkness through faith and intuition.

Clara (17:05): "I don't necessarily believe in God. I'm spiritual... But something in the universe just said, this is not okay."

Community and Listener Engagement

Holly and Emily encourage listeners to support legislative changes by contacting elected officials and spreading awareness. They highlight the power of community action in effecting meaningful legal reforms.

Emily Jones (23:08): "If you're in California, call your elected officials immediately... post it on social media."

Conclusion

"Stolen From Her Bed: Bella's Abduction" is a compelling episode that not only narrates a true crime story but also celebrates the miraculous intervention that saved a young girl's life. Through Bella's family's resilience and Lisa Hilton's courageous response, the episode exemplifies the triumph of hope and faith amidst profound adversity.

Clara (19:36): "Bella and the courageous life she's chosen to live is a miracle."

Holly and Emily conclude by affirming their dedication to uncovering and sharing more stories of divine intervention, urging listeners to remain vigilant for miracles in their own lives.

Notable Quotes:

• Clara (03:28): "He would often take Bella and her two sisters, Clara and Amanda, out to dinner and would buy them gifts..."

• Emily Jones (00:43): "But no one had seen Bella. It was as if she had vanished into thin air."

• Lisa Hilton (09:27): "Very strongly, Ms. Spirit said, she does not belong with him."

• Clara (17:05): "I don't necessarily believe in God. I'm spiritual... But something in the universe just said, this is not okay."

• Clara (19:36): "Bella and the courageous life she's chosen to live is a miracle."

Supporting Materials:

The episode concludes with a heartfelt letter from Bella's father, Chris Clark, expressing profound gratitude to Lisa Hilton for her role in saving Bella. This letter encapsulates the family's recognition of Lisa as their angel and serves as a testament to the episode's overarching message of faith and divine intervention.

Chris Clark's Letter (25:05): "Thank you with all my heart, Lisa. You saved my daughter and saved her family from what could have been much more grief."

Final Thoughts

Episode 33 of The Miracle Files masterfully balances the grim realities of true crime with uplifting narratives of faith and divine assistance. By sharing Bella's abduction and miraculous rescue, Holly and Emily provide listeners with a powerful example of how miracles can manifest in the most unexpected and dire circumstances, reinforcing the podcast’s mission to showcase the prevalence of miracles over darkness.