This stalker drew inspiration from You

‘You’ was such a series that created a bit of an obsession. I almost felt like a stalker myself, following all the updates. But luckily, it remained innocent binging, at least for me. For American Christopher Thomas, Joe was more than a fictional character; he was a role model. The new Disney+ documentary ‘Stalking Samantha: 13 Years of Terror’ shows how Christopher stalked Samantha Stites for more than ten years, eventually abducting her. All inspired by ‘You’.

The not so innocent messages from Christopher

In 2011, the paths of Christopher and Samantha cross during their studies in Michigan. Both are part of a Christian student association and see each other regularly at group activities. But for Christopher, that is not enough. Soon he also makes one-on-one contact. He asks Samantha out, but she politely declines every time. Message clear, you would think. But no. The messages keep coming, and he starts following her now too. At school, at her job, or at frisbee practice, he shows up everywhere; and this goes on for years. In 2014, Samantha signs up for an internship in Missouri, a fresh start in a new environment. But when Christopher turns out to be following her there as well, it’s enough. She realizes that all the messages and unexpected visits are not as innocent as she thought all this time. A restraining order is issued that hopefully gives her peace again; at least for six years.

The help is not enough

The restraining order feels like a liberation. Finally peace. Six years without messages, no visits, no Christopher. Samantha graduates, finds a job, and moves back to her hometown. Her life seems normal again. But the nightmare is far from over. As soon as the restraining order expires, Christopher shows up again; with a new tactic. This time no texts, just following. Wherever Samantha goes, he is there too. Really everywhere. The fear is now even greater. He has had to hold back for six years, and that frustration has to come out at some point. The request for a new restraining order is denied. The two have a complicated relationship, but there is too little evidence for stalking. Samantha is on her own. Unprotected.

Just a scene from You

In the early morning of October 7, 2022, Samantha suddenly hears noises in her house. Before she can realize what is happening, Christopher jumps on top of her. He tries to strangle her, ties her hands and feet, and tapes her mouth shut. Samantha is abducted, and that in her own car. She is taken to a self-built, soundproof bunker. An idea Christopher got after seeing Joe's glass cage in ‘You’. Once in the bunker, he hopes to finally build the bond he has longed for all this time. But he is also scared. What if he has to go to the prison jail? Samantha uses that fear and promises him not to call the police if he lets her go. Christopher hesitates and sets one important condition: he will let her go, but only after they have had sex. Samantha absolutely does not want this, but there seems to be no other way out.

The end of the nightmare

Christopher keeps his promise and brings Samantha back home. She knows: this is my only chance. She goes to the hospital for a rape test and calls the police. Of course, she would never fulfill her part of the agreement. Thanks to all the details she knows about the bunker and Christopher, the police can easily catch him. He continues to deny everything, but the officers do not let him go. It takes over a year before he confesses to kidnapping, torture, severe stalking, and home invasion; in return, the suspicions of sexual abuse disappear. Christopher is sentenced to 40 to 60 years in prison. At the earliest, he will be released in October 2062. A huge relief for Samantha; she finally feels safe again.

The aftermath that remains

The stalking and abduction cause lasting trauma for Samantha. She struggles with PTSD and cannot work for a while. She also has to move and wants to secure her new place extra well. All this leads to a huge pile of bills. Still, Samantha tries to use her experience in a positive way. She hopes to do something about the shame that victims of sexual abuse, stalking, and abduction face. Together with a friend, Robin Treiweiler, she founded Beekeepers Advocacy to advocate for this. The case also leads to changes in the rules for obtaining a restraining order in Michigan. A step in the right direction for Samantha, but there can and must be more changes. Her story might just be that little push. ‘Stalking Samantha: 13 Years of Terror’ is now available on Disney+.

Source: People Magazine / Image: ABC News