Early one frosty Friday morning, Samantha Stites hears the creak of wood floors and steps approaching down the hallway. Calling out to her roommate and receiving no response, she swiftly reaches for a hatchet under her bed.

The intruder crashes through the door and, within moments, is upon her, hands around her neck. He gags Sam with a ball and binds her hands with duct tape.

The attacker blindfolds Samantha, loads her into her own vehicle, and begins to drive. At that moment, Sam identifies him as her stalker, Christopher Thomas.

Thomas reveals that the Netflix show “You” inspired him, leading him to construct a ‘soundproof’ cell in a storage unit. Demonstrating how he tracked her via his phone, Thomas ominously states his plan to confine her for two weeks before disposing of her.

While being driven to what could be her torment, Sam, despite overwhelming fear, focuses on counting the turns. Trained as a therapist and social worker, she maintains her composure and employs psychological strategies to communicate with Thomas.

Samantha converses with Thomas as if he were a confidant, allowing him to express himself and revealing his fear of incarceration. This knowledge is pivotal as she tries to navigate this perilous situation.

Sam tells Thomas she will never tell anyone about the kidnapping and says the sex was consensual and will even be his friend going forward if he takes her home safely afterward.

Thomas agrees to Sam’s deal, but soon after raping her, he leaves her there, and she fears he is not going to go along with her escape plan.

Joining Nancy Grace today:

Samantha Stites – Kidnapped by Her Stalker

“Crime Stories with Nancy Grace” on Fox Nation is also a national radio show on SiriusXM channel 111, airing for two hours daily starting at 12 p.m. EST. You can also subscribe and download the daily podcasts at iHeart Podcasts.

[Feature Photo: Samantha Stites/Instagram]