The Railroad Killer: I Escaped a Murderer, airing on Channel 5, shares the harrowing stories of two women who miraculously survived encounters with notorious killers.
In the first episode, we hear from Holly, who offers a chilling account of her brush with Angel Maturino Resendiz, known as the ‘Railroad Killer’. Holly and her boyfriend, Chris, were attacked by Resendiz near some rail tracks in Kentucky. Resendiz tied them up and walked away, but soon returned with a deadly intent.
Holly, demonstrating remarkable resilience, managed to free herself and attempted to release Chris. However, Resendiz appeared again, carrying a large object, which he used to strike Chris, claiming his life. Holly then endured a brutal attack herself, suffering stab wounds and blows to the head. Despite life-threatening injuries, she found the strength to escape and seek help, ultimately surviving this horrific ordeal.
Holly’s bravery didn’t end with her survival. She faced her attacker again, playing a crucial role as a key witness in the trial that led to Resendiz’s death sentence. Today, she advocates for victims of sexual crimes, using her traumatic experience to empower others.
This episode also presents the story of Caroline Roberts, a teenager who, in 1972, crossed paths with the infamous Fred and Rose West. After hitching a lift with them, she accepted a job as their children’s nanny. However, disturbed by their behaviour, she soon left. Unfortunately, her ordeal was not over.
A month later, Caroline found herself tricked into getting into a car with the Wests again. What followed was a night of unimaginable violence and abuse, held hostage in their home. Yet, Caroline’s resilience and quick thinking allowed her to convince Fred to release her the next morning. Although initially afraid to disclose the full extent of her assault, she later became the chief prosecution witness in the case against Rose West, bravely speaking out about her trauma.
Throughout the episode, criminologists and investigative journalists provide insightful analysis on the behaviour of these convicted killers and celebrating the incredible strength and courage displayed by Holly and Caroline in their escapes.
The Railroad Killer: I Escaped a Murderer, Season 1, Episode 1 airs on Channel 5 at 10:00 PM on Monday, September 9, 2024.
