Samantha Stites’s life changed when Christopher Thomas, who once seemed awkward, became dangerously obsessed. After years of harassment and a temporary protection order, Thomas kidnapped her in 2022.
He confined Samantha to a soundproof bunker filled with supplies, inspired by the Netflix thriller You. For 13 hours, she feared for her life but used her social work crisis training to stay calm and talk with him.
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Noticing his fear of jail, Samantha offered him an assurance not to call police if she was freed. She faked willingness to enter a relationship and agreed to sleep with him as Thomas demanded, making him promise release later.
Afterward, Thomas returned her home. Samantha went to the hospital and helped police find the bunker. Thomas was arrested, pleaded guilty to severe crimes, and received a long prison sentence.
Her quick thinking saved her life, a story now featured in a Hulu documentary aiming to raise awareness about stalking and survival.
