This girl is about to live a NIGHTMARE

WARNING -- Distressing content
Time Stamp:
#1 -- "The Secret" -- 0:45 -- Teenagers in this small town in Illinois were keeping a BIG secret
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For entertainment purposes only. Based on actual events.
Theme Song: "Something Wicked" - • ♩♫ Epic Horror Synth T...
('Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License')
Theme Song by: @RossBugden
Story Music by: @co.agmusic
Intro video by :
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#truecrime #nightmare #mrballen

[@nickn271]

The fact that just because Ashley miraculously survived means that guy wasn’t charged with murder and won’t spend his life behind bars is maddening. The success or failure of someone’s murder attempt shouldn’t matter.

[@Jesusluvz]

This. I’ll never understand it myself. The attempt alone should warrant looking at the death penalty depending on how they were attempting to go about it. At the very least, life in prison.

[@winniethepooh8861]

Exactly. Murder is murder whether anyone actually died or not

[@winniethepooh8861]

Exactly. Murder is murder whether anyone actually died or not

[@socaligurl16]

It’s terrifying that he could be walking around in society again.

[@ElessaB]

Right?! Especially since after he broke her neck he had the opportunity to fess up and get her help, but instead chose to try to cover up what happened.

[@whitneybaxter3299]

Can we just take moment and appreciate how these cops acted so fast and diligent on this case? So many times you hear stories of cops not taking calls seriously and how many lives could’ve been saved if they had just acted as these cops had done! I hope they were awarded for their heroism.

[@TheBatIsRad6436]

@@fpc8700 what

[@tommychoppa7564]

It doesn't matter in the end though because he's out in 20 years to be a guardian figure and worker of the society that garnished the autistic outcome.

[@donotreply8979]

That's their fucking job dingus. They SHOULD be doing that because that's what they're paid to do.

[@stoneddeer8646]

Out of every severall thousands of good call theres 1 or 2 bad ones. Yes we appreciate them having a percentage that close to 100.

[@kichan]

There used to be a show called First 48 or something like that. And it was about how after the first 48 hours, the likelihood of solving a crime drops drastically. So it follows investigators who are rushing to find leads and find people.

[@yoda1422]

The fact she survived this is insane enough but she made a FULL RECOVERY 🎉 Absolutely mind blowing!

[@loveistheanswer5924]

After 30 hours in the cold! 😳🥰

[@Fabutam]

Totally, I have watched maybe 100 of these videos just in the past few weeks, whilst I do some quilting, and this is the first one where my mouth dropped open in absolute surprise that she survived and I have tears rolling down my cheeks because that’s some stubborn (in the best way possible) human right there! Keep going Ashley, fight!

[@shizamza]

Her poor boyfriend man… man must’ve been in such a weird place. He was getting cheated on but he probably didn’t want something like THIS to happen to her. Glad she survived and hope that boy is okay.

[@iamme8770]

Wow, it really is refreshing to hear a sad and brutal story like this having a happy ending!

[@justinperez8903]

So true… it’s rare!

[@ceezymuccheez]

except for the boyfriend who got cheated on and then everyone saying how amazing of a woman she is for living an attemted murder from the dude she was cheating on him with

[@snoochee8650]

@@ceezymuccheez They were kids. She made a stupid decision like most young adults do. Being groomed by a pedo isn't exactly a healthy additive.

[@killeanmcchesney5138]

I think she more then learned her lessons in more then a few ways. I’m pretty sure she grew up and straightened out after that. I’ve done my share of fucked up stuff and it’s a learning curve for everyone, she just paid a heavier price and was reluctant to live through it. 30 hours in the cold covered in intense pain, bugs and elements dying can change you like that. Thankfully she’s still alive and alright

[@NotThatKindOfKiwi86]

@@snoochee8650 So? If you're old enough to drive a car you can decide what's moral and what isn't. People as young as 14 can be put in jail for the rest of their lives for a mistake, but she lives happily with a husband and kids because she only destroyed the life of a completely innocent man! It sickens me to my stomache. Fr.

[@whacc_]

Actually never been so amazed with these police officers that took immediate action and figured out what happened quickly. That definitely saved this girl for sure.

[@pollypockets508]

I was surprised too. So many stories we hear show them as incompetent.

[@itsjustamyj]

same! in so many stories, they never actually take action until it's too late

[@TheDebzMurray]

It’s very lucky she was found on time

[@IntoxicatedGhost1]

@@pollypockets508 because that's all the news show..

[@silvercandra4275]

Not all police officers are bad... a lot of them in the US it seems, but not all of them. And in other places they're actually pretty nice and competent. Take everything I say with a grain of salt though, since I grew up in europe, and don't know that much about police in the US.

[@joshsainz8859]

Despite hearing the tough details and what this poor thing went through. I feel that most scary part of this story is hearing that her assailant didn't get a higher sentence. He is capable of doing harm again.

[@brooklin8671]

He was released a couple days ago

[@mirandaburke3331]

I think my favourite part of Mr. Ballen’s videos is his empathetic and compassionate way of explaining ever individual in the story. He never lets his anger for injustice determine how he portrays each individual

[@Melora84]

Nor does he try to sensationalize or make light of these stories either.

[@christinakindler9112]

I would be ABSOLUTELY HORRIFIED at the chance of him being paroled! OMG the will that girl has. It's incredible and that guy deserves to be locked up for the rest of his life!!

[@ellendaniels8715]

He’s def done stuff like tht to his victims b4

[@rixxy5544]

Yeah also the will to have 2 bf at the same time

[@JasonFlorida]

He should also have been charged for being a peadofile. 20 years is unacceptable

[@christinakindler9112]

@Clermont Florida I so agree

[@jacklinks6097]

Locked up? Deserves much worse! Hopefully he gets his in jail

[@Daiska_Plays]

Imagine looking for a body in the dark, finding it. Being glad that it would wrap up the case. Sadness, anger, but glad there was closure. Then realizing it wasn't a dead body. That had to have been such a surreal layered shock. I'm glad this story had a happy ending.

[@WorthlessDeadEnd]

Yes, but because she was not dead and did indeed recover, he will be eligible for parole in two years. Let's hope he gets denied.

[@bigjun913]

@Kelly Michayluk I think they mean happy ending as in she lived, is married and has a family to support her through her trauma...

[@misplacedsouthern1236]

@@WorthlessDeadEnd Hopefully, he receives a little prison justice as it does happen often in cases like these. 🙏

[@misplacedsouthern1236]

@Kelly Michayluk It's only 'happy' because she survived. I don't believe anyone is attempting to minimize the horror she went through or the healing she'll undoubted fight for the rest of her life. But, with life, there is hope and that is a very good thing.

[@misplacedsouthern1236]

@Kelly Michayluk It could've turned out much worse. Life is a great outcome to a horrible situation. She's a survivor who is living her life.

[@TheMosteel]

The sheer DETERMINATION to live is inspiring

[@Your_Entire_Reality_Is_A_Lie]

I have never experienced chills all the way from my neck to the top of my head when you said that she was still alive and she learned how to do all of her daily functions again. I'm so happy that she has a family now I am almost in tears of joy this is unbelievable

[@rockybullshite927]

Seriously though, when she woke up from a coma and he said she basically made a full recovery, I got hit with a lot of emotion, a little teary-eyed. I guess even the strange, dark and mysterious stories, have happy endings sometimes❤

[@Your_Entire_Reality_Is_A_Lie]

@@rockybullshite927 ☺️thank goodness!!

[@susanmiller4159]

It always makes me so angry when something like this happens and the perpetrator only gets a minimal sentance because their victim doesn’t die. The idea that this guy will be out of prison prob before age 40 makes me physically ill.

[@frostygal]

I really don’t think these horrible excuses for humans should get redemption. They get to go sit on their butts eating 3 meals a day…we pay for it.

[@GrandmaSuzy56]

If you want to see this change vote red and never vote democrat again! They are being run by the devil. The Clintons are even open devil worshippers like so many other democrats!

[@frostygal]

@HWD’s Legacy this is true 👍

[@didyasaysomethin2me]

The term mens rea comes to mind. He *knew* that his actions could be lethal. It's indisputable that his *intent* was to kill her. When he dumped her in that park he believed he had succeeded in killing her. The fact that those circumstances are not a factor in sentencing is just plain disappointing.

[@johnchedsey1306]

Hopefully although he's up for parole, it gets denied.

[@SouravGouri7]

I've heard so many narrations but he narrates it so well that I completely forget that I'm only listening. I can picture the whole story as if I'm watching it!

[@coco-cliveasmrgenealogy6171]

Same ☺️

[@einsp227]

He truly is the master at this. Fuck TV, just give me hours upon hours of him telling stories.

[@TyeArtisik]

Yup

[@matthoward598]

I can't put my finger on why he's so good at it. Any thoughts? I'm sure its simple.

[@themcderp5801]

@@matthoward598 I would say its a mix between how clear he speaks (doesnt say "uh, um, err, etc.) And how descriptive he is. Also timing helps a bit as well. Like timing as in pauses for drama.

[@benmosley3190]

I remember seeing her face on the news, I live in St. Louis. Thank God she survived. Shocked to hear he only got 20 years and could be out next year.

[@-T_Louis]

He's been out since the 22nd.

[@user-xg4nd1on8m]

I'm homeless at moment & just watching MRBALLEN is the only thing that gets me thru the days i love him for some reason

[@winstonknowitall4181]

This case should be presented at police academies to show future cops how important is immediate reaction in missing people cases.

[@Bloooo95]

Good point. Had they waited long, thinking she’d show up eventually, she would have died for sure.

[@eduagonzalez]

Omg yes !!!! This story would have ended muchhhhh differently if they hadn’t reacted

[@Judy.LoveandLightAlways]

Brilliant comment Winston, Makes you Wonder if these victims are found if time could have saved them like Ashley. Kindest thoughts to you and your family from Australia

[@SmurfySmurf12345]

I agree.

[@joshuadickey7221]

Not enough police or detectives to instantly jump into every case unfortunately.

[@MNNski]

The fact that she survived is a miracle. The fact that she thrived after shows true strength. I don't think I could continue after experiencing that.

[@killerboy4441]

fking spolier bro

[@Rose-hy6le]

I agree. So true

[@gallatinwrestling6422]

@@killerboy4441 Don't read the comments then. seriously what did you expect blank brain

[@killerboy4441]

@@gallatinwrestling6422 i just glanced at them for a second man

[@grimthereeper]

I noticed it mainly women not pointing out the obvious. She cheated. She has common sense. She took her highschool boyfriends suv to cheat. This is karma coming back at her. I don't feel bad for her at all.

[@deadlyore3986]

It’s amazing that she survived, and a very happy ending to something so horrible, minus the fact that Sam isn’t in prison for life. Murder and attempted murder should not have different punishments.

[@tinansof]

I feel like the belt snapping was what saved her life. When its not your time its not your time ❤️

[@1FokkerAce]

Being alive is one thing. Making a full recovery is something else. Incredible story, thanks for doing this one.

[@sr2797]

when you said "she was alive" it made me so happy! most of these stories end in such terrible circumstances! nice to hear a happy ending every now and again.

[@whitneygordon5180]

Me too! She was so lucky. It seemed like she had that will to live and push on despite what she had lived through.

[@yoza7359]

so cool how this comment is literally visible from the video, cheers for the spoiler yt lol

[@brianwilhelm3777]

her neck tho!!

[@coco-cliveasmrgenealogy6171]

@@yoza7359 ikr! I try to avoid looking at the comments before a video. So I cover that 1 comment viewing, cause youtube loves to spoil things lol

[@shrysm]

Made me sad

[@bethysbarn]

I have no idea how she survived that! 😳 choking her so much that the belt breaks is so vicious 😳 he shouldn’t be allowed back out! So glad she survived and is happy! ❤

[@DutchIsraeli]

That's an insane and fantastic ending!! I was SO happy to hear about her miraculous survival. I wish more of those stories ended that way! 💚

[@paulthompkins4150]

Holy crap! A MRBALLEN story with a happy ending! Miracles never cease.

[@sillyrascal3382]

Besides the fact that guy shouldn't be let out of prison. Fuck that guy.

[@joerenner1649]

I no right

[@Misssydney]

Not exactly a happy ending but I get what you mean 😕 I’m surprised other inmates haven’t exacted prison justice on him! They don’t take too kindly to creeps like this….

[@coconow1]

My thoughts exactly! Yaay!

[@dopesick7710]

Spoiled. Dammit! I shouldn’t have looked

[@apiraklertlitwittaya5649]

I have never heard about this case so I already expected the worst but knowing that Ashley did survive this ordeal put a big smile on my face. You are one tough woman, Ashley!!

[@ladyyuna2000]

I heard about this case and it brought a chill to me. kzbin.info/www/bejne/jIKUfWmeqtuHlZo

[@pollypockets508]

I concur

[@KitsuneNarutoKun]

I wonder if the reason why he couldn't suffocate her was BECAUSE he had broken her neck? Had it shifted things around enough to somehow protect her windpipe from his efforts? No matter what, I did not expect this outcome! Truly a miracle for Ashley

[@J_L_A]

He was supposed to put pressure on her carotid arteries. He was strangling her, but he was putting pressure in the front of her neck. Poor thing was being tortured.

[@nutty77]

The sound effects, especially the neck 'popping' gave me goosebumps

[@stevensardinta93]

She is a survivor for sure. I was so happy to hear she fully recovered and is living a happy normal life. Most , if not all of these stories don't end well. As for the teacher, 20 years is far to little jail time for what he did. He should get 20 years for each attempt he made at killing her.

[@modestmeeshka]

Not to mention she was underage. They 100% should have hit him with a slew of charges to keep him locked up forever.

[@lockandloadlikehell]

Thanks for the spoiler warning

[@modestmeeshka]

@@lockandloadlikehell never read the comments before watching on a mr.ballen video lol I learned that the hard way

[@addamz3277]

She's a CHEATER

[@tahirsiddiqui9480]

She got what she deserves she betrayed his first bf who really loves her

[@jiristach1413]

I am an Army veteran suffering from PTSD, anxiety, and depression and I began resorting to drug use to help myself cope. I remember one day sitting on my couch and I came across MrBallen (about a year ago) and was hooked by his great story telling. His videos have seemed to give me comfort as my world was crashing down around me. I am now 6 months clean and seeing his videos again brings me joy. I am indeed a fan of the strange, dark, and mysterious delivered in story format and I appreciate what you do sir.

[@arckryptic6318]

Proud of you boss

[@nikrixxx6338]

Thank you for your service and sharing your story. I'm a recovering drug addict myself and it only gets better if you keep yourself in check. Counseling, journaling, and biking worked wonders for me. Best of luck to you 🙏👏💖

[@xancypillosi9497]

@@nikrixxx6338 what drugs

[@M8MANN]

My man

[@lailanimessina1473]

U GOT THIS 🙌🏻 MOVE FORWARD… NEVER BACKWARDS 💪🏼❤️

[@terrywoodjr.8624]

This video was really upsetting. But, at the end, when it was discovered that she was still alive and survived this horrible event, I was genuinely standing up and shouting with excitement. The coward that did this to her should stay in prison and rot. Thank you for the content Mr Ballen Your flannel game is on point as usual

[@damianplasencia2708]

lol calm down

[@terrywoodjr.8624]

I was in an emotional place back then 😅

[@missw8700]

20 years isn't long enough at all!! Ashley is Amazing!!!! Much love sent her way!

[@amhunter9619]

It's wonderful that she's alive and that she walks, talks and has even managed to have children - but I do hope no one plans to let her attacker out on parole. He may have initially broken her neck accidentally, but he spent a LONG time trying to strangle her afterwards. Effectively he's a killer and he should be treated as such.

[@spoopy132]

Exactly. Even his own description of what he did was so disgusting and brutal. he knew his own strength and training and put her in that chokehold anyway and instead of having regret and remorse when he realized what he had done, he tries to really kill her to cover it up. He is a monster and should never be released.

[@lucialuciferion6720]

Yes, he was actively trying to kill her. End of, that makes it at the very minimum attempted MURDER.

[@susanmiller4159]

Agree 100 percent.

[@salaad_aisha019]

+ the fact that he literally groomed her as child then dated and abused her as a child afterwards too that should be enough with his charges of attempted murder to not let him out, hopefully they won't.

[@afteraft5206]

literally. the only things keeing him from being a murderer is an insane amount of luck and tenacity on the part of her. incredible story, with an incredible girl, and an equally incredibly loathsome killer

[@aamp84]

Thank goodness the police decided to take the mother’s call serious. Too many of these stories end up tragic simply because the police disregard people’s calls for help.

[@blc28x]

I absolutely agree.

[@lorettascott5477]

Yes I agree and I take it personally because I've had the experience more than once! Honestly I'm lucky to be alive. Poor Ashley! What a POS!!!

[@ir0n392]

I’m glad some people recognise this as I’ve seen so many comments in other videos despising the police for not doing enough, while this is sometimes true I really hate when people condemn police from watching a 15-30 minute video, they don’t know all the details.. yes some cops aren’t good enough but majority are good and hard working who protect us/investigate when needed 👍

[@BelleMort6]

@@ir0n392 Completely agree!

[@BelleMort6]

@Clayton Catlin So you mean... they're real people. Yes, you're right.

[@katscratchfever3506]

One of my fav things about Ballen is that he puts the time stamps in the description 💜

[@spinyslasher6586]

I'm more concerned of the fact that her friends knew Ashley was cheating on her boyfriend and did nothing about it. Why would you keep such a thing a secret???

[@TheDude_559]

I genuinely appreciate how respectful you are of the victims and their families when telling their stories.

[@angelasmith5351]

Exactly! Had the parents been told to wait 48 hrs. before reporting her missing, she'd probably be dead now.

[@dawndixon402]

Absolutely

[@idigu1568]

Same

[@karenwilson712]

He is a gentleman, saying they were intimate in the car. No graphics just respect

[@kaylagower9584]

I appreciate the stories you share with us keep up the good work. Thanks

[@SurferFN]

I’ve literally watched every single video on this channel more than once

[@I_like_breadAlot]

Lol relatable

[@constanceellerbe829]

Me too!

[@KAG1776]

Ive seen many 6 times plus lol great stuff!

[@vexits9143]

Joe momma!!!!

[@y.g.ryunggunnarico6249]

Same

[@thatman103]

WOW a story with a happy ending!!! Thanks. I needed that. God bless her.

[@tdvwest9514]

This story is brutal. I am not usually squeamish around injuries but I have always had a phobia of getting my neck snapped, sliced open or chocked to death.

[@vtorialyn]

Ok…..now I TOTALLY was NOT expecting that ending!!!! Holy shit! That’s unbelievable! I had to pick my jaw up off the floor when you said her chest was moving 😳 She’s a true miracle. But I’m sorry…..20 years for that dangerous psycho is NOT enough! He should never be trusted.

[@xToNy843]

Yeah and he’s a teacher so idk why they didn’t give him life

[@terrybrown3878]

20years!?!?!

[@terrybrown3878]

On top of that what happened to the charges for being in a sexual relationship with a minor...? All that together should be life for sure!

[@BBrett]

Our judicial system is so broken. Chances are he'll get out, go live with his mother or grandmother and re-offend.

[@kathleensmith8336]

True. But the title did say that this girl was about to live a nightmare, which though scary, you come back from. Still surprising though.

[@mintfrost427]

It is so unexpected that she survived, let alone her broken neck, being strangled with a belt, etc… what a truly horrifying story, but I’m so glad she survived 💖

[@TheBlancet]

Aw spoiler. Well that's my fault for opening the comments

[@gallakailancer3692]

@@TheBlancet yeah it is

[@nick6253]

@@gallakailancer3692 that's a little rude, he already admitted it and he wasn't attacking the comment

[@mooncake4371]

Aww man shouldn’t have scrolled down to see the comments...wasn’t expecting a spoiler.

[@vincentfrusci7745]

Yo I’m so happy she survived too, I wasn’t expecting that

[@edezamalaguit3356]

I love all your videos..i accidentally watched your video last month, now i cant stop watching and listening.

[@shellynngirl1983]

Wow! What an incredible story! I love how most of your stories end with a good ending

[@nonyabiznis4399]

Unbelievable that he only got 20 years just because he lucked out that she survived. If death is the intent of the attacker(he choked her again and left her there)he should be sentenced as a killer. The law makes me sick.

[@nikki4701]

I agree. What if the police didn't find him? What if he didn't confess? Ultimately any "what if" that had her out there longer, she would have died. He should have gotten longer. I really don't understand the sentencing system but that's a whole different issue.

[@madalice5134]

Plus he's a sexual predator! People like him can't be fixed. Do they think he's just going to stop preying on young girls when he gets out? This sentence is so ridiculous.

[@bionicbastard]

Meanwhile Cosby, Weinstein, Clinton are all free. Sad World.

[@jerry8308]

Not to mention that he’s a teacher in a “romantic relationship” like where did that go unnoticed

[@karina5571]

@@jerry8308 exactly not only is he a murderer but he’s also a pedophile

[@oliviakeyunderthemat5637]

20 years for grooming, abusing, breaking the neck of, choking to apparent death and dumping the “body” of a 17 year old girl in the woods with absolutely no remorse??!? Are you serious? Good on you girl, for having the fight you needed at that moment. Much love to you from Down Under xx

[@cayennenaturetrails8953]

!!!!

[@angelskyy6574]

I KNOW. Like I'm actually freaking out about how disgusting this is. The judge who ruled that is vile and heartless. Imagine hearing all that confession just too be like "Oh yeah I'm sure you can change all that in just 20 years 😁" 🤬 Wtf? this dude is insane!? He snapped her neck around and shit because she wouldn't get out of his car?! Tf will he do too MORE young ladies that actually affect him. I feel sick honestly

[@angelskyy6574]

Sorry if I come across insane but I don't see anyone else talking about how ridiculous this sentence is 🙁

[@blackgemstone801]

@@angelskyy6574 SOB probably got a plea deal to confess to the attempted murder in exchange for dropping the pedo charges.

[@jayelee7558]

@@angelskyy6574 I think 20 years is sufficient if it was non consent sex and he succeeded in the murder then yea he needs life 20 years of being in prison under those charges he’s definitely gotten punished over and over. But let’s not forget this girl took her real bfs car to go cheat with this man she had 0 business with the universe just works that way sometimes

[@joelguzman9710]

I am so happy with this channel. I'm late to show but I try to catch 3 to 4 episodes A-day. Keep up the great work this is a winner

[@tanknastyy5289]

Such a crazy story! Glad she fought so hard to be here today

[@cindysemblante4411]

If I were Ashley I’d make a point of being at that parole hearing. God bless her. I’m so happy she not only survived but she flourished. What a strong will to live she had

[@brianwilhelm3777]

20 years!! That's nothing

[@xcv1971]

I love how you turned into Yoda in your last sentence😅

[@Tinil0]

@@brianwilhelm3777 As much as I hate this guy, "20 years in American prison" is not nothing. Period, end of report. It may or may not be enough, but 20 years in prison will fuck you up.

[@desiguy55]

@@Tinil0 unfortunately the strong survive in prison and he had built himself up. i hope he never gets released.

[@brianwilhelm3777]

@@Tinil0 well obviously Sherlock🧐.. I assumed any ignorant ass would infer I meant "nothing on the deserved scale of punishment or compared to the suffering he caused her." Yeah.. Im pontificating on the outcome of serving 20 years in prison over here🤥

[@DJ5540]

Feel bad for her boyfriend. Imagine going through the heartbreak of thinking your girlfriend was murdered only to find out that she's alive, but that she was cheating on you with the guy that tried to kill her.

[@IdontKnow-su8nh]

That’s what I was thinking

[@berserkagain7976]

Yup

[@D8rk_Kitt3n]

Yeaa she wasn't so perfect

[@christopherkostopoulos8674]

@@D8rk_Kitt3n perfect or not, she did not deserve that. nobody is perfect. (i'm not saying you think she did deserve it, just making a note)

[@crystalfranklin2583]

That guy was an abuser. He exploited the girl's naivete. She's not totally at fault here considering the fact that she was a minor. I'm sure she knew that being with someone else when she had a boyfriend wasn't right, but she did not deserve that.

[@yakkybots]

I love the way you tell these stories..you always make it so interesting to listen to...and I love your intro music also....

[@crystaldeboard5454]

So glad I found this channel. Love Mrballen!!

[@AmandaHugandKiss411]

This woman is a trooper. I am so glad she was able to end up with a decent life. All the best 💗

[@santatigerclaus]

seriously strong will to live!!!

[@santatigerclaus]

poor sam was so sad to see her still alive tsk tsk

[@brandongreene9615]

She deserved it

[@R2RKITO]

@@brandongreene9615 if she had died then i wouldn't agree with you but the fact the she lived makes me think that this was a higher power teaching her a lesson for viciously stringing along a presumably honest guy her age and even using his vehicle to go see someone else. I think this was punishment.

[@terrypussypower]

@@santatigerclaus Are you kidding? He was never so glad to see anyone alive in his entire life! The fact she survived lessened his sentence from “life without the possibility of parole” to just 20 years imprisonment.

[@Soopology]

Parole??? He tried to kill her 3 different times. I can’t imagine laying there for over a day, with bugs, rain & mud all over you. To come back from that & end up having kids of your own is a miracle. Incredible story.

[@shaylow988]

Right??!! Wtf with parole?!? Our justice system is so broken!!

[@trishpipkins]

Not to mention HE'S A PEDOPHILE!! She was a child!! How long had he been abusing her and how many other victims does he have?

[@mattjack3983]

@@trishpipkins I knew him. This happened in my hometown. He was actually a very normal guy, and it really shocked the hell out of all of us when this happened. After he got arrested, it came out that he had been messing around with ALOT of underage girls. I mean ALOT. Most of them he would meet on MySpace. Some were as young as 13. Theres really no telling how many underage girls he had sexual relations with. There were at least 11 or 12 of them that we know of for sure.

[@ysldre1976]

@@mattjack3983 it’s sad that he only got 20 years he deserves LIFE in prison idc abt his past got too many ppl in jail for LIFE just bc of 🍃 IT AINT FAIR THIS POS GOT 20 YEARS!!!

[@goingmonotheist783]

Secular law 👍 "Human rights".. Yada yada yada

[@simp4adamsandler]

This made me cry, happy and sad. Im so glad Ashley I still here

[@TheSKT946]

Wow, what an amazing story of triumph. So glad to hear the happy ending and the happy life she has after making it through this!

[@rabbitsandphilodendron]

I'm so happy for her that the police took her case so seriously from the start... I don't want to imagine what would've happened if they hadn't acted this quickly, it really makes a difference. I wish all police offices were like this one concerning missing people. And I hope that Ashley is living a great and happy life right now despite the horrible things that this monster did to her.

[@glendabarton45barton48]

Only 20 years?

[@natalyasturn]

He should’ve been charged with murder. He tried his best to kill her several ways, tried to cover the crime up & confessed to her murder. The fact she lived is a miracle! He should be under the prison.

[@Rob774]

I get your passion, but that's not how the law works.

[@lawless8639]

@@Rob774 no shit thats why she said should've

[@Rob774]

@@lawless8639 If you are going to attack me, at least perform it in a way where you create a clear and coherent full sentence. You are letting Midoriya down.

[@lawless8639]

@@Rob774 did u really just say "attack" over a comment? and how can you not understand that clearly? she said "should've" which implies she knows what the law is but she thinks it should have been different. are you abit slow today, or are u always this special?.

[@mickblock]

True, he used all of his strength to murder her instead of call an ambulance for her. Then he left her thinking she was surely dead and sat on information of here location for 30 hours. How is the fact that she lived being made a benefit to him?

[@marycole8372]

Man Mr. B must pick when these ads pop up!! Leaving me on my seat 😳😂

[@miadodson1938]

Oh wow! that's incredible! Well done for fighting so hard to live Ashley..I wish you the best life in the world, you deserve the best ❤ **hugs**

[@Annette1965]

WOW she had the fight too live. With the confession Sam gave, everything he did too kill her, he should never get out. He started grooming her at a young age and did everything he could too kill her. The belt breaking is crazy and she still survived. I can’t imagine the pain she went through but happy for her and her family she survived.

[@saraholly7633]

No way!! That shocked me so much I didn't expect you to say "she was alive" after all she went through,Ashley definitely has a guardian angel what an amazing lady 👏

[@cayennenaturetrails8953]

yep

[@ericsbraun]

Girl be TOUGH!!!

[@dantierney3301]

"A" guardian angel? She must have a whole battalion!

[@michaell6807]

Like rob van damn shes hard to kill

[@nassermj7671]

The hand of God was on that young lady. Guy scot free in 2 years? Now that absolutely don't fit.

[@i33y58]

That's wonderful that Ashley made a recovery. She's so strong for that.

[@stormchaserbulldog7419]

I love what you do. Keep these stories coming brother

[@rhyswong8976]

Besides Ashley's dogged determination to survive, the hero in this story here is the cops that took the missing person case seriously even though the time of missing is so short.

[@sjberntson7606]

Ashley deserved it

[@ccampbell7214]

Absolutely agreed

[@kinokodawn]

It's sad that cops doing the bare minimum makes them a hero to you

[@kinokodawn]

@@copperwopper6429 wow you must saved so much time using those stupid shortened forms of words 👏

[@kinokodawn]

@@copperwopper6429 I see no point in arguing, I said what I said. It's sad that the bare minimum is something to be happy about 🤷🏻‍♀️

[@troydorr4867]

Kudos to the police, for immediately taking action. There's toomey stories where they kind of blow it off and come to find out if they had taken it seriously, the person could have been saved.

[@TheCyberCrabTV]

Yeah the police did a good job this time. Had they not she probably wouldn't have lived And good job interrogating the guy and getting the truth out before she died brutal way to go. Bravo 👏 👏

[@TsurfBangz]

Thanks, captain obvious, appreciate your generic comment.

[@AuRowe]

@@TsurfBangz Thanks, NPC cynic.

[@planetclownfishbrain7052]

Half the police were probably banging her too. They were gonna frame someone until ''the teacher'' with his ''striking blue eyes'' and his dreamy gaze, came up as a suspect.

[@cayennenaturetrails8953]

Yep

[@Nido17]

It is truly a miracle she was still alive. Man.

[@gmo3686]

Bro, your stories never miss, wow

[@president-electfreddy-krue3866]

In a case like this, the perpetrator should've gotten the same exact sentence as homicide, even though the victim lived. It was clearly his intention. and he left her for daed. so, the sentence should've been life in jail.

[@andysimmons2423]

Not to mention there is no fixing psycho. He will add to his list of victims once he gets out of prison. He should have definitely be given life without parole.

[@JennyPennyLaane]

Right

[@iutarogirotto5110]

his confession directly led to saving his life, this proves he had some sort of guilt over what he did, psychopaths don't confess unless they want to brag, I don't mean he doesn't deserve to go to jail for a long time, but the same as murder or he's irredeemable? i disagree, he at least has some flicker of a conscience

[@randbizzsantiago9792]

Is it possible for the state to homicide someone? 😂

[@jaymike3302]

I'd give him some credit for confessing. But he should still serve 30 years. Our laws on 1st degree assault and attempted murder are sickening.

[@angel-od1cc]

I was so relieved and shocked to find out she was still alive after all that torture she went through. she is really strong. glad she's doing great! ❤️

[@SaltyPug]

I remember this story. It’s amazing she survived.

[@tarakonacarcary4222]

Wow such a good twist at the end. What a miracle.. seeing the photo of her grown up and still alive made me so happy.. what a story to have lived through. Wow. I hope that guy has learnt from his mistake.

[@haileyprosser5256]

Ashley is a TITAN! It blows my mind how mentally and physically strong she is to have survived having her neck broken, being strangled 3 different times, being drug through the forest and being left for dead, AND SURVIVE! She’s genuinely miraculous.

[@Icatt.926]

Bro no way. She’s a cheater.

[@jewel8425]

Tell me the entire thing before I started, thanks

[@user-ol5bj4dm2v]

@@Icatt.926 bruh she was manipulated since middle school by an (attractive) adult in a position of authority. She was a high school junior when this happened.

[@numberone7930]

@@jewel8425 story wrecker

[@maddiequartz209]

@@Icatt.926 it's called grooming

[@Cupid_Creates]

It honestly is nice to know there WAS a happy ending to this story. When I heard she was still breathing, I was so worried that you were gonna say she died in hospital... but her still being alive is a miracle!!

[@carol127v]

right? if anything I thought she would be in vegetative state! So glad she made a full recovery

[@iris5678]

I hope she's mentally and emotionally okay too :( I hope she has a great support system.

[@kimsland999]

I don't like the word miracle as commonly used in America. Whilst clearly her being alive is not against the laws of physics, we could actually work out how she survived, and I'd begin with the belt breaking ie he would have continued to strangle her if the belt didn't break from the strain. However, when the word miracle is used in America (I stipulate America because really its not common elsewhere) its implied that some non evidence based supernatural cause was involved (when clearly this is not required here, or anywhere really). Basically religion has made the word miracle and say even spiritual and other such descriptive type words, highly tainted with nonsense. If however you weren't referencing a divine intervention was involved (Lol) then apologies for making a mountain out of a mole hill. But if you were in fact inputing some non natural agency? Then this only puts down what we know of biology and obviously modern hospital healthcare. Clearly she would have died in the 16th century, but we are now able to help many people even on the brink of death.

[@awaken3840]

It clearly is a Miracle. It was not her time to go, death is going to come to us all, ( Wages of sin )but it is not our decision. Glad she had a miraculous recovery and lived to tell the tale.

[@kimsland999]

@@awaken3840 We THREW out all claimed Jesus sins and replaced them with the far superior secular laws method. You know that right? A MIRACLE must be something that can not be done by naturally known things. Say like a second Earth all of a sudden popping into existence, or even a woman popping into existance out of nothing! So far no known miracles ever happened. BUT a lot of baseless claimes of miracles happening though. How did you rule out that she was clearly not dead and survived the 30hrs in the bush lying there? Did you think that's impossible? YOU have a very low level of understanding. And this was the very point of my earlier reply, how's America today?

[@gingerrogers6134]

I saw this as a movie on Lifetime. It was good and so was your rendition. Love your podcast.

[@richardgofourth3476]

Wow!!! I love the way you explain these stories and that was wild as hell

[@ciaramiller1366]

This is my cousin. She has a family now and is doing great. Pumped to see her story on this channel. Hopefully it will keep the terrible issue of adults preying on children in the forefront so that more help is available when needed for teens and children who are in a dangerous situation. ❤️❤️❤️ ETA: changed to accurate terminology

[@Goldenwoodz]

Does she even remember it did she have any brain damage as far as memory goes since she had to re learn everything? I am so happy her life wasn’t ended that day and she is beautifully still alive and doing wonderful, that was so warming to hear and I am so happy she fought thru that. Hopefully she doesn’t remember detail as that is bad PTSD

[@curvyQT1]

So sorry that this happened to your family...smh. He should rot in prison. What is stopping him from doing this again?

[@zenjigaming3342]

How many times she got married?

[@zenjigaming3342]

And what her original bf? poor guy got used

[@ciaramiller1366]

@@Goldenwoodz she does have some brain damage. But high functioning. I live in a different state so I don’t see her much. My dad is very close to her dad as they grew up together and talk regularly. My understanding is that she is very appreciative of life. I believe she does remember parts of the ordeal unfortunately.

[@boomer63]

He should get, at the least, a lifetime for every hour she spent fighting for her life in the woods because I'm positive, every one of those hours felt like a lifetime to her.

[@jhonklan3794]

Felt like and actually experiencing something are drastically different. Really living up to your username with that lack of logic.

[@peterf.229]

So his bones should be locked in a cell for 3000 years? What kinda dumb fruckery is this? Also murderers spend less time in prison than this guy has sooo

[@boomer63]

Trolls. Trolls everywhere 🙄 Go back to your cave.

[@marielynn7369]

Amen!

[@annettedailey6743]

I got Whatcha meant..ignore these miserable people!

[@bdhhdb2202]

Absolutly love everything you do!

[@marspar]

There’s actually video of them finding her in the woods and realizing she is still alive. It’s very eerie to say the least. It’s amazing that she not only survived but made a tremendous recovery over the years learning how to walk and speak again.

[@truthseeker1268]

@@AmazingRofa SPAM!!!!

[@hruaiahnamte7052]

@@truthseeker1268 yaa bro i just click its bs

[@joannaflowers5563]

@Marlie Sproull Where can you find the video?

[@spongemonkeysooz]

I hope she sued the school so she could concentrate her energy on healing and having her family near her 🙏🏼🌺💕

[@povertylevelphilanthropy1524]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/manSdnedYreWr7s

[@amandahoward2740]

It breaks my heart when a victim fights so hard to survive and their attacker only gets attempted murder! They should get a sentence similar to murder since that’s what they intended to do

[@britainsbestbased1696]

Attempted, that’s exactly what it is

[@broark88]

They could take into account the degree to which the attempt neared success, indicating how resolved the defendant was to actually committing murder. In this case, he went the whole way to end her and fully believed she was dead. In almost a Schroedinger's Cat sense, he actually did commit a murder.

[@imbuffysummers]

Not even just attempted. Straight up buried and left for dead.

[@amandahoward2740]

@@imbuffysummers exactly! it's awful

[@cmerritt6799]

@@imbuffysummers That's probably why he got 20 years. I don't understand the parole though, considering he also committed multiple sex crimes.

[@littlegirl3263]

What an amazing story!

[@nedangeloramos8628]

Keep on making videos like this sir.. thank you

[@t.illy.]

After getting a broken neck, Choked about 5 times, Left in the woods for 30 HOURS. She lives. God legit said it wasn't her time to die.

[@sxndr.a]

Ik she was so strong. If it was someone else they would of probably died with how bad the injuries were. I'm happy she is doing well these days.

[@dubistdaslicht9314]

That was my exact thought.

[@Saberdud]

Which god are you talking about? Zeus?

[@brighteyes4927]

Your fairytale sky fairy is gross 🤮

[@CinematikNupe]

@@Saberdud I think he's referring to Xenu...

[@nico_meiko]

You know, props to the police who actually took this case seriously. If they didn't do a good job I'm sure Ashley would be dead by now...

[@kaka-gz4qg]

is that raiden I see

[@colspiracy8326]

I love it when they survive at the end. They usually don't with MRB. The human body can be very tough! God bless her. Just seen my comment from 5months ago lol. Must have seen it twice. 👍👍

[@fuindes_batwings]

I am so glad she survived! That twist at the end was so so needed!

[@ElessaB]

One theme I've noticed in many of Mr Ballen's stories is intuition: people ignore it and get into trouble, but sometimes they listen to it (like in this case where Ashley's mom and the police intuited that she was in real trouble) and that leads to a better outcome. I'm reading "The Gift of Fear" right now which sheds some light onto how our intuition is often very accurate. We're taught to ignore it, but it's a very important and often life-saving tool. I'm now re-learning how to heed my own intuition 💙

[@InteriorDesignStudent]

I second the endorsement for reading "The Gift of Fear" by Gavin De Becker.

[@tanyapicou5385]

I've ignored my gut a few times & it always bit me in the a**. I always listen to my gut now. Hasn't lead me wrong

[@bethbubs1396]

I think women in particular need to listen to our intuition/gut/little voice way more often than we do. We are taught to kind of ‘go along to get along’ and often will just do whatever to keep the peace or not make a scene- and we get hurt, and worse. Listen to yourself. Make a scene. Thanks for the book info, too!

[@aesthral]

Truee this is a good observation!

[@InteriorDesignStudent]

@@bethbubs1396 We're taught to be polite, nice little girls who are friendly and don't say no. If we feel something's off, we're often told we're just being shy or paranoid.

[@rebeccalove9169]

Honestly the cops did such a great job if they would of waited any longer to start searching this wouldn't of ended like this and if they wouldn't of kept on him in the interview he might not of cracked. So many things aligned up it's truly a miracle she was found and made a full recovery!

[@lacountess]

Exactly! It’s great to hear a story in which the cops excel at their job.

[@d-meth]

May I ask where you're from? You have very specific way of writing (I'm assuming speaking too) that surely was not taught to you in school. Has to be a regional thing.

[@chidoman1595]

In a lot of these stories the cops are very incompetent

[@kzookid545]

@we will do it you spam every video or just this one?

[@DirtCobaine]

@@d-meth I’m assuming it’s because of how the use the word “of” instead of “have” I.e. “wouldn’t of” instead of “wouldn’t have” I’m from New Mexico and we talk like that here and I also had a bad habit of writing/typing like that until I corrected it. I still have that problem every now and then lol btw most people I meet don’t know New Mexico is a state but it is west of Texas east of Arizona, so it’s in the southwest. I’d imagine this is a southern twang.

[@aryanpers7726]

I'm so happy to hear that she lives a happy life! I hope she learned from that horror experience and stay loyal with her family! Everybody does mistakes, but the cleaver one try to learn from his mistakes, and bring something good out of it! Anyway God bless her and her family!🙏

[@khainightwalker4986]

I love listening to these stories before bed❤️❤️

[@KGNhite]

As soon as he said she had survived, I burst into tears. He is an absolutely amazing narrator.

[@hbk-_-juice8419]

Didn’t see the need to cry but ok

[@greyghostscsa394]

Burst into tears? People are so weak. Yeah this guy is a monster and deserves to die but holy crap lady you’re going to have a hard time in life if you get so easily upset.

[@sharksport01]

Hes great! And hes making boatloads of money. And he should!

[@annielamb4937]

@@hbk-_-juice8419 Didn't see the need to comment. If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say a thing.🥰

[@fizzy4050]

@@hbk-_-juice8419 it’s probably a woman

[@nicolebateman201]

OMG, this young lady had the will and determination to stay alive. This is one of the most horrific crimes I have heard in a little while. This POS doesn't deserve to be paroled. He deserves to spend the rest of his life behind bars. I do feel that if he is ever paroled, there is a very good chance that he would definitely reoffend and next time the victim wouldn't be able to survive. This young lady is a true hero in my book. I'm so happy to hear that she was able to make a full recovery.

[@lucid6891]

It's mindblowing and fantastic that she survived, but saying she had the will and determination to do so suggests that others who succumb to injuries in horrible circumstances somehow lack the same fortitude. Good for her, but she got lucky.

[@anduin3410]

she's not a hero she is a victim, it's different

[@sampreston9226]

I think he would re offend too which is so damn scary.

[@anduin3410]

ya what a hero, she has 2 boyfriends lol, takes real boyfriend's car to cheat on him. lol

[@MCRkaruma]

@@anduin3410 she was a kid. End of story

[@joycedudzinski9415]

I'm 21 miles from Millstadt and never heard of this incident. Glad it turned out well for her.

[@PrettyGhostX]

Omg what a story! I can't believe she's alive and ding well today. The absolute horror and pain she had to endure and to lay in the dark forest with all the nature elements that goes with, she must have been so scared. I wishes her the best

[@lianapalumbo8457]

Well done to all those officers who made it their priority in finding Ashley. You ALL are her heroes. Also I'm so glad to finally hear of a patent who didn't hesitate in ringing the police. Waiting till morning an Ashley most definitely would've been dead.

[@jeffreymcintire8273]

Idiots need to see cases like this when they're chanting "defund the police ".

[@elizabethbrown5215]

Thank you Mr Ballen for bringing so much entertainment with all your stories. I enjoy every single one.

[@juri_xiii9977]

@@jeffreymcintire8273 No.. That wouldn't effect cases like this one in any way or form. Maybe read about what they mean.. You "idjuts"think life is a football game. Read books,dont burn them Dixie boy..

[@Jetashii]

@@juri_xiii9977 Yeah because defunding fundamental societal resources is definitely rational and makes a lot of sense regardless right?

[@nickolabailey2172]

bare minimum

[@Kluermoi]

Wow…I didn’t expect that ending!!! She is beyond brave. Just wow

[@jerrellj]

🙏🏽🙏🏽 I smiled as soon as I heard she made it !!!!

[@jackierobinson6388]

Those 3 letters were my reaction also. Wow.

[@Strange9952]

How is she brave???

[@RRGAMESz]

@@GoodBoy-lu4wx You do know she was groomed by a pedo right?

[@ROFLVH]

@@RRGAMESz literally used her boyfriends car to screw another guy at the park lol. She’s not brave, she’s lucky she lived. End of story.

[@lumgs2009]

I can't believe she was still alive after all this horror! Poor girl! And John's storytelling is fantastic, as always. I almost can't breathe!

[@michele-qn9kq]

What a twist! Bless your heart Ashley

[@justtryme2020]

This is one of the most chilling twist ending stories you've ever done! I did not see it coming that she'd not only miraculously survive but also not be paralyzed and go on to have children of her own?!

[@TyeArtisik]

A miracle indeed 😊

[@codin4]

Thanks for spoiler good to know from the start.

[@ScottyNapaa]

@@codin4 watch video, then read comments, easy.

[@codin4]

@@ScottyNapaa thanks mister obvious. Maybe I wanted spoilers to don't have to watch. Those muricans man^^ brawooo uratowałeś świat^

[@1963krb]

My thought exactly