From Victim to Advocate: Mary Vincent’s Tale of Survival and Triumph
After an exhausting journey home, Mary Vincent was overjoyed when a van offered her a ride. Little did she know, this encounter in 1978 would change her life forever. At 15, Mary had left Las Vegas after her parents’ divorce and made her way to California, separated from her supportive family.
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Credit: AP:Associated Press
The Fateful Hitchhike
While she had loved ones nearby, Mary was filled with homesickness and decided to return to her parents. InCalifornia, on September 29, 1978, she accepted a ride from Merchant Seaman Lawrence Singleton. Despite two other hitchhikers warning her about the vehicle’s limited space, Mary’s weariness led her to jump in, eager to reach her family in Las Vegas.
The Attack
As Mary fell asleep in the van, Singleton revealed his true intentions by taking her far from her destination. When she awoke, she found herself tied up and naked, and the horrifying reality set in. Despite her desperate pleas, Singleton subjected her to a brutal sexual assault.
He cut both of my arms off, and I didn’t feel anything because I was in a blur of shock and pain.
Mary Vincent
After the assault, Singleton attempted to dispose of Mary by throwing her over a 30-foot cliff, believing she was dead. Miraculously, she survived the fall and began a perilous journey to find help.
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Credit: AP- ASSOCIATED PRESS
The Climb to Survival
Crawling up the steep cliff, Mary managed to reach the road, bare, bloodied, and with two stumps where her arms once were. She walked three miles, flagging down a helpful couple en route to their honeymoon, who took her to the nearest hospital. Despite losing half of her blood, she received swift and life-saving medical attention.
