A Glimpse of Salvation in the Darkness: Ted Bundy Survivor Recounts Life-Saving Light

Within her new book, "A Light in the Dark: Surviving More than Ted Bundy," Kathy Kleiner Rubin reveals the extraordinary experience that shielded her from becoming another victim of the notorious serial killer.

As darkness enveloped Lake Sammamish State Park on July 14, 1974, Ted Bundy embarked on a chilling double abduction that would leave an enduring mark on the community. Among his targets that fateful day was Kathy Kleiner Rubin, a young woman whose life was destined to take a harrowing turn.

But amidst the shadows, a glimmer of hope emerged. As Bundy approached Rubin, asking for assistance with his boat, a light from her nearby bedroom window illuminated the scene. Startled, Bundy hesitated, allowing Rubin to escape the clutches of the relentless predator.

A Glimpse of Salvation in the Darkness: Ted Bundy Survivor Recounts Life-Saving Light

In her gripping memoir, "A Light in the Dark," Rubin recounts the chilling encounter that could have ended her life. With vivid detail, she describes the moment when Bundy, disguised with a sling on his arm, approached her and uttered the words that would haunt her forever.

"Help me unhook my boat," Bundy pleaded.

A Glimpse of Salvation in the Darkness: Ted Bundy Survivor Recounts Life-Saving Light

Rubin's instincts told her something was amiss. The man before her, with his charming demeanor and seemingly harmless request, was not to be trusted. As she politely declined, Bundy's facade shattered into a menacing glare.

Sensing the danger, Rubin retreated to the park's crowded beach, where she blended into the safety of the surrounding crowd. Bundy, his plan thwarted by the unexpected illumination, disappeared into the night.

A Glimpse of Salvation in the Darkness: Ted Bundy Survivor Recounts Life-Saving Light

Rubin's fortunate escape stands as a testament to the extraordinary resilience that can be found even in the darkest of times. The light that streamed from her bedroom window became a symbol of hope, a beacon that guided her path away from the abyss.

The discovery of skeletal remains near a service road two months later confirmed the chilling truth: Bundy had indeed struck that day, claiming the lives of Janice Ann Ott and Denise Marie Naslund. Rubin's gratitude for her near escape grew profoundly as she learned the tragic fate that had befallen her fellow beachgoers.

A Glimpse of Salvation in the Darkness: Ted Bundy Survivor Recounts Life-Saving Light

In the years that followed, Rubin carried the weight of that harrowing encounter, knowing that she had been one of Bundy's intended victims. The fear that had consumed her that night never fully abated, but she found solace in sharing her story, hoping to empower others to trust their instincts and seek help when faced with danger.

Now, with the publication of "A Light in the Dark," Rubin offers a deeper exploration of the trauma she endured, interweaving her personal narrative with an in-depth examination of Bundy's reign of terror. Through her courageous account, Rubin shines a light on the horrors that can lurk beneath the surface of everyday life, while simultaneously offering a message of hope and resilience.

A Glimpse of Salvation in the Darkness: Ted Bundy Survivor Recounts Life-Saving Light

As the 50th anniversary of Bundy's heinous crimes approaches, Rubin's story serves as a poignant reminder of the darkness that can dwell among us. But it is also a testament to the indomitable spirit that can rise above the depths of fear and emerge from the shadows of tragedy.