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In November 2014, twenty-two-year-old nursing assistant Carlisha Freeland-Gaither was abducted off the street in Philadelphia by Delvin Barnes. Facing a life-threatening situation, Carlisha fought back aggressively, intentionally dropping her phone and glasses to leave forensic evidence and using a hammer to shatter the car window and strike her abductor. A bystander, Dwayne Fletcher, witnessed the attack, called 911, and recovered the left-behind items, while Carlisha also smartly cooperated during ATM stops to leave a financial trail. Investigators soon connected Barnes to another horrific abduction from weeks prior in Virginia, where a sixteen-year-old victim had narrowly escaped after being doused in bleach and gasoline. Barnes was eventually captured, convicted of federal kidnapping charges, and sentenced to 35 years in prison, bringing a rare survival story to light.
Hosts Mike Ferguson and Mike Gibson open the episode, welcoming listeners and setting the stage for the story of Carlissia Freeland-Gaither.
Mike Ferguson and Mike Gibson introduce the abduction of 22‑year‑old Carlesha Freeland‑Gaither in Philadelphia.
Details of the abductor’s approach, the use of a hammer, and the witness Dwayne Fletcher’s actions are recounted.
Carlesha’s strategic dropping of items, use of her phone and glasses, and the role of witnesses in aiding police are highlighted.
Fletcher’s quick 911 calls and the subsequent police response that saved Carlesha’s life are emphasized.
Hosts discuss Barnes’s prior offenses, the charges in the abduction case, and his eventual plea and sentencing.
The episode details how surveillance footage, ATM records, and discarded receipts helped identify the abductor.
Carlesha’s 2024 interview reveals her coping strategies, gratitude for Fletcher, and ongoing emotional impact.
The hosts wrap up with practical advice on staying safe, the importance of witnesses, and encouraging listeners to stay alert.
The hosts talk about Carlissia’s return to work and the emotional and mental challenges she faced after her abduction.
They emphasize the importance of counseling, family, friends, and coworkers in helping Carlissia heal and regain normalcy.
Hosts recap the story, highlighting Carlissia’s resilience, the bravery of witness Dwayne Fletcher, and the 16‑year‑old survivor’s escape.
Leaving Behind Forensic Breadcrumbsstrategy
Carlisha intentionally drops her cell phone and glasses during the struggle so investigators would have evidence and know she had been there.
Shattering the Car Windowstrategy
While trapped in the back of the car, Carlisha uses a hammer to break out the rear window, creating a loud noise and alerting witnesses.
Using ATM Transactions as Cluesstrategy
Carlisha gives the abductor her real bank card and PIN in Maryland so that surveillance cameras will capture him and track his movements.
Discarded Trash Leads to Footagestory
A homeowner finds a grocery receipt and snack packaging tossed in her driveway, leading police to supermarket surveillance footage of the suspect.
Connecting Previous Criminal Historydata
Authorities in Virginia recognize the suspect from a separate kidnapping and sexual assault of a sixteen-year-old girl in October 2014.
The Virginia Victim's Escapestory
The previous sixteen-year-old victim escapes into the woods after being bound, sexually assaulted, and covered in bleach and gasoline.
Pleading Guilty to Federal Chargesdata
Delvin Barnes pleads guilty to federal kidnapping charges in exchange for prosecutors dropping the Virginia assault case.
Sentencing and Prison Termdata
Delvin Barnes receives a sentence of 35 years in prison, with a scheduled release date in June 2044.
“I think if, like, we're sitting here, there's no danger to us right here in the studio, and we're able to analyze it and say, oh, yeah, that's, that's very smart.”
“She said, 'Anybody that knows me knows that I wear glasses, and I wouldn't leave them anywhere. So if somebody walked by, it was evidence.'”
“She said, 'I still get scared at times, but I really try to stay strong because I now have a son and I try to stay strong for him.'”
“She also said that despite everything, she had forgiven Barnes.”
“I don't think what he did was right, and I do think there's consequences that should be there for him.”
“But I do forgive him and think everybody has the second chance to become a better person.”
“She received counseling and leaned on her family, friends and coworkers for support, which I think is invaluable.”
“I think it's a healthy way to look at it.”
In November 2014, 22-year-old nursing assistant Carlesha Freeland-Gaither was abducted while walking home in Philadelphia. She fought back during the attack and deliberately left behind her phone and glasses, hoping someone would realize she was in danger. A witness saw the abduction, called 911 twice, and provided police with crucial information. Join Mike and Gibby as they discuss Carlesha Freeland-Gaither. Authorities eventually identified her abductor through DNA evidence linking him to the sexual assault of a 16-year-old girl in Virginia. On November 5, 2014, the FBI located him at a Maryland shopping center and rescued Carlesha, who was injured but alive. You can help support the show at patreon.com/truecrimeallthetime Visit the show's website at truecrimeallthetime.com for contact, merchandise, and donation information An Emash Digital production See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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