For Samantha Stites, a former classmate’s obsession became a nightmare beneath the ground.

Years after she rejected him and sought legal protection, she found herself trapped in a hidden bunker, unsure whether she would survive. With her freedom in his hands, she searched for the fear that might persuade him to release her—and began a fight for surv…

Samantha Stites met Christopher Thomas as a college freshman in 2011. After she rejected his advances, his harassment led her to obtain a six-year personal protection order.

When it expired, the harassment resumed. Thomas eventually lured her into an underground bunker, holding her captive for 13 hours. Stites said he claimed the Netflix thriller You had inspired its construction.

Drawing on her social-work training, she kept him talking and recognized his fear of prison.

To secure her release, Stites promised not to report him and feigned interest in a relationship, complying with his demand for sex under coercion. Once home, she went to a hospital for evidence collection and helped police locate the bunker.

Thomas was arrested within 48 hours. He pleaded guilty to kidnapping, torture, and aggravated stalking, receiving 40 to 60 years in prison. Stites later shared her experience in a Hulu documentary to raise awareness about stalking and survival.