I SURVIVED A SERIAL KILLER: The House of Horrors
Jun 1, 2026 · 22m
Summary
This episode of I Survived features Josefina Rivera, who recounts her four-month captivity by serial killer Gary Heidnik in Philadelphia. Rivera details the horrific abuse, including the deaths of two other victims, and her strategic manipulation of Heidnik to gain his trust. She ultimately orchestrated a daring escape, leading police to rescue three women and arrest Heidnik, who was later executed for murder.
Topics discussed
Sponsors: Wealthfront and Lincoln Tech
Introduction: Gary Heidnik and the show premise
Josefina Rivera's background and initial kidnapping
Heidnik's delusional plan and second victim Sandra
Sponsors: Apartments.com and Pluto TV
Captivity conditions and further kidnappings
Sandra Lindsay's death and disposal of the body
Electric shocks, Deborah's death, and Josefina's strategy
Josefina's escape plan and calling the police
Sponsors: BetterHelp and Progressive Insurance
Heidnik's arrest and rescue of remaining victims
Trial, execution, and Josefina's reflection
Closing sponsors: Apartments.com, Pluto TV, Lincoln Tech, Wealthfront
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