Lori Poland, a name that still resonates with a haunting tale of tragedy and resilience, has captured the hearts of many for over four decades.
In what appeared to be an idyllic life, she suddenly found herself thrust into a nightmare that no child should ever endure – a nightmare that would test her strength, push her to the brink, and shape her into the extraordinary individual she is today.
Experience the unfolding of Lori’s story, revealing the remarkable resilience within us all. This story will inspire, provoke reflection, and leave you in awe of the depths of courage found in the face of unimaginable challenges.
As the story unfolds, delve deeper into the article, and you will uncover heart-wrenching details that vividly showcase the unwavering strength that Lori possessed, the unyielding determination that drove her forward, and the indomitable courage that allowed her to prevail over unimaginable adversity.
Prepare to be moved as this powerful testament embodies the indomitable human spirit, from the darkest moments of her journey to the triumphant outcome.
The story of Lori Poland and her kidnap
The tale of Lori Poland has deeply touched a lot of people. Robert Paul s*xually assaulted and dumped her into a bathroom pit in 1980.
The tragedy occurred forty years ago, but it continues to trouble people. It is unbelievable that a child could have experienced such cruelty, and its effects still linger today.
The real incident
August 22, 1983, was a warm day during the summer. A 5-year-old boy and his younger sister, Lori Poland, who had just turned three, were present at their Sheridan, Colorado home with Richard and Diane Poland.
When the kids asked Richard for lollies to cool down in the heat, he watched them play. He briefly left the house, and upon his return, Lori was gone, leaving her pants on the sidewalk.
Richard and Diane, frantic, called the police right away to report their daughter’s daylight kidnapping.
Fortunately, Paul Weaver, a neighbor, saw the entire kidnapping. He saw his kids playing from his kitchen window when he noticed an orange Datsun Sedan stop. A little girl entered the vehicle wearing only a red t-shirt as the man drove away.
The close-knit neighborhood gathered together to look for Lori. The Polands tearfully appealed to the kidnapper on TV, pleading for the rescue of their beautiful daughter. They posted flyers all over the city and dispatched a helicopter as well.
A woman named Wuanita Zappa called the police on the second day after Lori vanished. A man in an orange Datsun was harassing Wuanita’s granddaughter a few weeks previously.
ADV 627 was the man’s license plate number, which Wuanita’s son-in-law thankfully noted.
The number was to the boy, Robert Paul Thiret, who lived with his mother in Denver, Colorado.
When the police arrived at his house, they saw the orange Datsun parked near his home. Although Robert denied participating in Lori’s kidnapping, they were confident they had the proper man.
Sadly, Lori was not to be located despite their thorough search of his house.
What happened next?
As it happened, a Pennsylvania couple named Steven and Cynthia Gaulin chose to go bird-watching in a private Colorado park the following day.
Cynthia had to use the restroom as soon as they got there. She heard an audible cry as she entered an outhouse.
When Cynthia arrived at the restroom in response to the noise, she heard a young girl crying out for her mother from 15 feet down in the toiler pit.
Cynthia asked Lori what she was doing there, and she said, “I live here,” Lori recalled thinking she had made the hole her new home after spending three and a half days there.
Lori was rescued from the hole by Stephen Bakker, an off-duty firefighter who arrived on the site.
Her legs were completely black and infected because of the untreated methane gas and hydrogen sulfide in the water in the chilly, dark, and filthy hole.
Her recovery and after events
After being reunited with her delighted parents, Lori underwent a miraculous recovery that allowed her to be discharged just a few days after the hospital personnel had initially thought they would have to amputate her legs.
Lori shouted, “That’s him! ” when she saw a picture of Robert Paul Thiret and started to tremble in dread. He was arrested and charged with murder, s*xual abuse, and kidnapping.
What happened to her kidnapper, Robert Paul?
Robert Thiret received a 10-year prison term. Just six years later, in 1990, due to good behavior, he was released.
He had a turbulent childhood and was molested when he was 3 years old, as was disclosed throughout the hearings. He is a high-risk s*xual abuser in San Pedro, California, at 61.
Where is Lori Poland now?
Lori has made it her life’s work to assist those who have experienced similar tragedies. She is a certified therapist at Denver Counseling Options, leveraging her healing journey to benefit others. Lori is not only a therapist but also an advocate and author.
She wrote a memoir titled “I Live Here,” which details her tragic early life circumstances, her ultimate recovery, and her journey of activism as an adult.
Her book is an inspiring picture of the survival of the human spirit and the positive effects of telling one’s narrative.
With her childhood doctor and current friend, Dick Krugman, Lori founded The National Foundation to End Child Abuse and Neglect (EndCAN) as another example of her commitment to helping others.
The organization aims to inform the public about child abuse and how we can help families and children through support and guidance.
She is a wife and mother to her three kids, and through her job, she has impacted the lives of countless others.
Her experience is an important signal that there is always potential for recovery and rejuvenation, even in times of hardship.
