By Estelle
Fact-checked by Darci Heikkinen
These accounts are not just urban legends; they are chilling true stories that highlight the darker side of human behavior. Here are ten terrifying real-life incidents that made headlines.
10. Who’s Under the Bed
In 2015, a 61-year-old woman in Palm Springs, Florida, found a burglar hiding under her bed while searching for her cats. Startled, she called 911, and the intruder, later identified as Christian Vatovec, fled the scene but was apprehended nearby. He was charged with theft and burglary after being found with a digital camera and stolen jewelry.
9. There’s Someone in the Closet
In 2019, college student Maddie at the University of North Carolina returned home to find a man, Andrew Clyde Swofford, hiding in her closet wearing her clothes. Initially believing it was a raccoon, she was shocked when he spoke to her. Her boyfriend intervened, and the police arrested Swofford, who had entered without forced entry.
8. Nightmare Home Purchase
Timothy Smith and his fiancé were excited about their new home in Gresham, Oregon, but found a stranger, Ryan Bishop, living inside. After discovering signs of intrusion—like a cat wearing dog clothes and personal items scattered around—they called the police. Bishop had broken into the house, consumed their food, and even played video games before his arrest.
7. “I Was Hiding Under the Vehicle”
In 2016, a woman in Aldi, Nebraska, experienced a frightening encounter when a man, Jesse M. Johnson, grabbed her ankle while hiding under her car. This was not his first offense; he had a history of similar incidents. After several arrests, he claimed he needed help for his "weird addiction."
6. Hotel of Horror
Victoria Rothe was on a work trip when she returned to her hotel room to find a woman going through her belongings. After realizing her room had been ransacked and her medication taken, she discovered a hole behind the mirror that allowed the intruder to access multiple rooms. The hotel had covered up renovations poorly, leaving the situation unresolved.
5. The Cellar’s Not Empty
Mayor Bruce Wilkerson of Bowling Green, Kentucky, discovered a young woman hiding in the cellar of a house he was renovating. She had been hiding from someone and fled when he approached. The police were called, but it was unclear how long she had been in the cellar or who she was escaping from.
4. He Watched Her Sleep
In 2018, Jason Cameron Stiles broke into a woman’s home in Denver, attacking her after stalking her for over a year. He had taken photographs of her possessions and hidden in her closet, watching her without her knowledge. He was arrested and sentenced to 16 years in prison for his crimes.
3. Always Listen to Your Children
Author Grady Hendrix recounted a childhood incident where he encountered a man eating leftovers in his kitchen. Despite his parents dismissing his fears, Hendrix later discovered that the man had died in the air conditioning vent above his bed, having hidden there for some time.
2. There Is a Stalker in the Room
Between December 2019 and January 2020, Hamza Bouslamti harassed a woman in Plymouth, sneaking into her home repeatedly. He was found hiding under her bed one night and was arrested shortly after. He received a community service sentence and a restraining order preventing further contact.
1. Hiding in Young Girl’s Bedroom
Zacharias Adrian Cavasos moved into a 12-year-old girl’s bedroom in Oregon after meeting her online. He hid in her room for weeks, despite warnings from her grandfather. After being discovered, he was arrested for having sexual relations with the girl while living there.
These true stories serve as stark reminders of the potential dangers that can lurk in everyday life, often in the most unexpected places.