About I Survived a Serial Killer

These are the harrowing stories of survivors of some of the world's most notorious serial killers; witness the strength and perseverance of regular people encountering and overcoming pure evil.

September 1992: 17-year-old Jennifer Asbenson is kidnapped. Her attacker - 32-year-old Andrew Urdiales - has already killed multiple women before luring his latest victim into his car.

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I Survived a Serial Killer

New Documentary Series on Viasat True Crime: Experience the Dramatic Stories of Survivors

If you're fascinated by true crime stories filled with emotion, suspense, and psychological intrigue, I Survived a Serial Killer on Viasat True Crime is a show you can’t afford to miss. This American documentary series from 2021 takes viewers deep into the harrowing and heroic stories of those who survived encounters with some of the world’s most notorious serial killers. Discover their accounts, the evidence, and the forensic analyses that uncover the secrets behind these real-life crime dramas.

Captivating True Stories – Survivors of Pure Evil

I Survived a Serial Killer is a true crime series that presents real-life crime stories from the perspective of survivors. Each episode tells a gripping tale of human endurance and strength, featuring individuals who faced pure evil and managed to escape death. Viewers will hear these events not only from the survivors themselves but also through interviews with police officers, detectives, and the victims’ loved ones, along with forensic analyses that help explain the killers’ motives and methods.

Combining elements of crime thrillers, crime dramas, and true crime documentaries, I Survived a Serial Killer provides fascinating criminal analyses while delivering emotionally charged human dramas. This gripping series will keep you on the edge of your seat from the very first minute until the dramatic end of each episode.

Terrifying Survivor Stories – Cases Featured in the Series

I Survived a Serial Killer tells dramatic accounts of encounters with serial killers that could have ended in tragedy. Here are a few of the stories that will be featured in upcoming episodes:

• Desert Demon – The Story of Jennifer Asbenson and Andrew Urdiales 1. In September 1992, in the California desert, 17-year-old Jennifer Asbenson was abducted by 32-year-old Andrew Urdiales, a serial killer already responsible for the brutal murders of several women. Terrified and without hope, Jennifer had to find a way to escape from this "desert demon."
  Andrew Urdiales was one of the most dangerous serial killers in the United States, operating across several states and murdering women in brutal and merciless ways. Captured in 1997 and sentenced to death in 2002, Urdiales’ story of terror was survived by Jennifer, who miraculously escaped and became a symbol of resilience and bravery in the face of deadly danger. Her account is one of the most powerful moments in the series.
• The Craigslist Killer – Scott Davis and the Job Trap In November 2011, 48-year-old Scott Davis found himself in the backseat of a car, thinking he was on his way to a new job found through Craigslist. Little did he know that he had fallen into the trap of Richard Beasley, a serial killer who hunted men seeking work. Thanks to his alertness and determination, Scott managed to escape, leading to the unraveling of one of the most chilling cases of the time.
  Known as the "Craigslist Killer," Richard Beasley used online classified ads to lure his victims. Through a thorough criminal investigation and evidence analysis, Beasley was caught and brought to justice, ensuring that those who didn’t survive received the justice they deserved.
• The Railroad Killer – The Story of Holly Dunn 3. In 1997, Holly Dunn, a University of Kentucky student, was enjoying an evening with friends when the night took a horrific turn. She was kidnapped by serial killer Angel Maturino Resendiz, known as "The Railroad Killer," who traveled across the U.S. by train, preying on victims in towns and cities along his route.
  Despite sustaining injuries, Holly displayed incredible strength and determination, managing to escape the killer and find help. Her testimony played a crucial role in the capture and conviction of Maturino Resendiz, who was eventually executed in 2006
• Tampa Terror – Lisa McVey Noland 4.In November 1984, 17-year-old Lisa McVey Noland was abducted while returning home from a night shift at a bakery in Tampa, Florida. Her captor, Bobby Joe Long, was a serial killer responsible for the deaths of at least 10 women in Florida. Using her intelligence and wit, Lisa pretended to surrender, gaining the killer’s trust and ultimately managing to escape. Her brave actions led to Long’s arrest, and he was executed in 2019.
• The Mid-Michigan Killer – Don Miller and the Story of Lisa Gilbert 5.In August 1978, 14-year-old Lisa Gilbert and her 13-year-old brother Randy were attacked by a stranger in a newly constructed home in Lansing, Michigan. The attacker, 23-year-old Don Miller, tried to kill the siblings, but they managed to escape and alert authorities. Miller, previously linked to other crimes, was arrested and sentenced to a long prison term. Lisa and Randy's story highlights the importance of quick thinking and courage in the face of danger.
• The Cook Brothers – Cheryl Bartlett Fann’s Kidnapping In January 1981, Cheryl Bartlett Fann and her fiancé, Bud, were abducted by the Cook brothers late at night. Enduring harrowing hours in an abandoned garage, Cheryl and Bud fought for their lives, eventually escaping and finding help. Their story shows how strength and determination can emerge in the face of terrifying circumstances
• Cleveland Strangler – The Story of Vanessa Gay and Anthony Sowell In September 2008, Vanessa Gay unknowingly walked into the home of Anthony Sowell, only to discover that she was entering the lair of the "Cleveland Strangler," a man responsible for hiding the bodies of 11 murdered women. Vanessa’s daring escape and subsequent report to the police led to Sowell’s capture, and he was sentenced to death in 2011.
• The Toybox Killer – Cynthia Vigil’s Chilling Ordea 8.In 1999, Cynthia Vigil was kidnapped and held captive for three days by David Parker Ray, also known as the "Toy Box Killer," in Truth or Consequences, New Mexico. Through incredible bravery and determination, Cynthia escaped from the "toy box," a specially designed torture trailer. Her testimony led to Ray’s conviction, exposing one of the most horrifying crime cases in U.S. history.

Extraordinary Stories of True Heroes

I Survived a Serial Killer is not just a must-watch for true crime fans but also a fascinating look into criminal psychology and the motives behind serial killers. This unique true crime documentary series provides unforgettable suspense, dramatic twists, and incredible survival stories.
The premiere of I Survived a Serial Killer airs Sunday, October 6 at 9:00 PM on Viasat True Crime, with two new episodes airing back-to-back each week starting at 9:00 PM.
Don’t miss this thrilling and chilling series that delves into unsolved mysteries and takes you into the world of real crimes and police investigations.

STEP INTO A WORLD SHROUDED IN MYSTERY AND DECEIT