Although details of the 16-year-old’s abduction are unknown, Insider Exclusive writes that while captive, she decided that befriending John Jamelske was in her best interest. Syracuse.com reported that this tactic worked, and Jamelske began taking her out in public to places like the mall and a karaoke bar. On April 8, 2003, the 16-year-old and Jamelske were out in Manlius, New York, when she asked her captor if she could call a church. Per The New York Times, Jamelske was known to be a religious man. In addition, one of the only commodities in the bunker was a Bible. Jamelske agreed to let her use a phone and the girl called not a church but her sister.
Angela Wilson, the victim’s sister, recounted this moment to “Good Morning America.” She stated (via ABC News), “She sounded afraid, she was quiet, I could barely hear her.” Wilson added, “The conversation was 15 or 20 minutes. She told me that he [Jamelske] was a rapist and that she was being held against her will and was not able to come home.” Wilson then called for help. According to Syracuse, the 16-year-old was saved by the police that same day, ending Jamelske’s horrific crimes against women. He was arrested and charged with kidnapping, rape, and sodomy. Jamelske was denied bail.
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If you or anyone you know has been a victim of sexual assault, help is available. Visit the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network website or contact RAINN’s National Helpline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673).
