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Survivor's Grit: Escaped Abduction, Caught Killer
8 Oct
Summary
- Kara escaped her kidnapper after 18 hours and helped police identify him.
- She memorized details like the captor's cigarettes and car radio.
- Her escape led to the capture of a serial killer linked to three murders.
In June 2002, a then 15-year-old Kara Robinson was abducted from West Columbia, South Carolina, by serial killer Richard Evonitz. Over 18 harrowing hours, she endured assault and captivity, but her determination to survive led her to memorize critical details about her captor and his surroundings.
Employing a remarkable survival strategy, Kara eventually escaped Evonitz's apartment. She provided police with enough specific information, including the layout of his home and personal details, to identify Evonitz as the perpetrator.
Evonitz fled to Florida, where he died by suicide during a police chase on June 27, 2002. His link to the murders of three teen girls in Virginia was later confirmed through forensic evidence found in his apartment.
Kara's bravery not only secured her freedom but also brought justice to the families of the three murdered girls. She received a $150,000 reward for her instrumental role in the investigation.
Now 40, Kara Robinson Chamberlain is a married mother of three, a keynote speaker, and a consultant for America's Most Wanted. Her story of resilience has been featured in documentaries and she now co-hosts a true crime podcast.
