Content warning: This story includes details about rape cases. If you experienced these crimes and need support, contact the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network at 1-800-656-HOPE or visit rainn.org. In 1987, Vicki Farinacci, a 31-year-old mother of three, was raped in her home in Akron, Ohio. Her attacker, wielding a knife, bound her hands and feet, echoing a pattern seen in other crimes around that time. Stories of other 1987 crimes, including the rape of 17-year-old Michelle Pruett and the rape and murder of 31-year-old Janice Christensen, brought back haunting memories for Vicki. More than 30 years later, reading about Thomas Collier Jordan's crimes, Vicki identified him as her attacker from a 1972 mug shot.

“That’s him!” she said with 99% certainty. Lt. Dave Whiddon from Akron Police expressed confidence in her identification, although prosecution was impossible since Jordan died in 2009. Police are now exploring connections between Jordan and other cold cases, hoping to bring closure to more victims. The rape shook the core of Vicki's life. On April 24, 1987, she was home with her three children when an intruder entered, assaulted her, and stole her belongings. At the time, her friend Cindy realized Vicki was in danger and alerted the police. The attacker, deceptively calm, maintained that Vicki's 5-year-old daughter couldn’t use a phone, sparing the child from any suspicion. After the assault, Vicki's survival instincts kicked in as she remembered the assailant's features. The path to healing was long; she moved, sought therapy, and watched her marriage dissolve.

While her rape kit was destroyed in 1993 due to the statute of limitations, DNA technology eventually linked Jordan to other cases. Unfortunately, Jordan could never face justice for his alleged crimes. Vicki hopes other victims will come forward and encourages anyone with similar experiences to seek help. Questions remain about Jordan’s history and his early release from a previous conviction for a similar crime, which might have prevented the assaults in 1987. The case raises significant discourse about statutes of limitations on such horrific crimes. Vicki’s journey offers a narrative of resilience in the face of unimaginable trauma, hoping for justice and closure for other victims through newly uncovered truths.