A 15-year-old girl displayed immense courage by using soil to pack her severed arms after being assaulted and mutilated by a violent serial killer who threw her into a ravine. Mary Vincent, in 1978, was hitchhiking in California when she encountered Lawrence Singleton, who viciously attacked her, amputated both her arms, and left her for dead in a ravine. Despite her horrific ordeal, Mary refused to give up, determined to survive and prevent future attacks. She managed to crawl out of the ravine, seeking help from passersby and ultimately leading to the identification and arrest of Singleton.
Following Singleton’s conviction on multiple charges, including attempted murder and sexual assault, he was sentenced to 14 years in prison but was released after serving only eight years, sparking public outrage. Despite efforts to integrate back into society, Singleton’s criminal tendencies resurfaced, leading to the murder of another victim. Mary Vincent expressed her distress over the failure to prevent Singleton’s release, highlighting the ongoing trauma she experienced.
Mary Vincent has since become a vocal advocate for sentencing reform and victim support, leading to the enactment of the “Singleton bill” in California. She now lives a fulfilling life with her family in Washington, pursuing her passion for art and creating prosthetic tools from recycled materials. Mary’s resilience and determination serve as an inspiration to others, demonstrating the strength that can emerge from adversity.