Fort Collins, Colorado – In August 2013, Amber Smith, a 20-year-old single mom, was enjoying a night off with her friend, Aric Vanagunas, when a horrifying attack changed her life forever. After being violently raped, strangled, and left for dead in a park, she endured months of fear and suspicion of every man who crossed her path.
Despite the attacker leaving behind DNA evidence, police initially struggled to link it to a suspect. Two years after the attack, in an attempt to reclaim her life, she moved in with a group of friends, never imagining that her rapist was one of her new roommates.
Smith’s injuries were severe, including a broken jaw, brain bleed, and strangulation marks on her neck. The traumatic experience left her terrified and depressed, but with the support of friends and law enforcement, she eventually found the strength to move forward with her life.
The breakthrough came when DNA from a man arrested for a separate offense turned out to be a match for the 2013 rape. To Smith’s shock, the man turned out to be Stefan “Sam” Moon, a friend who had comforted her after the attack and had helped her through her healing process.
The trial that followed held immense pressure for everyone involved, but despite being acquitted of attempted murder, Moon was found guilty of kidnapping, sexual assault, and other charges. He was sentenced to 128 years behind bars and is currently incarcerated in a Colorado prison.
Today, Smith has found peace and is determined to use her experience to help others. She no longer allows the traumatic incident to define her and is focused on moving forward with her life.