I Survived I Survived

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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