At only 16 years old, Kathy Risico found herself in a horrifying situation when she was coerced by spree killer Christopher Wilder to approach a girl at a mall in Gary, Indiana. Feeling trapped and pressured, Risico followed Wilder’s instructions, ultimately leading to the abduction and assault of the girl they targeted. Dawnette Sue Wilt, another 16-year-old victim, was also lured in by the promise of a fashion show modeling opportunity. The girls were taken by Wilder, who subjected them to sexual assault and torture, leaving Risico with lasting regret and trauma.
Risico vividly recalled the harrowing experience of being held captive by Wilder, as he raped both her and Wilt, then proceeded to electrocute and torment Wilt in front of her. The sense of helplessness and horror that she felt as she listened to the screams of the other girl remains etched in her memory, haunting her to this day. Despite the trauma and guilt she carries from that fateful decision to get in the car with Wilder and take Wilt with them, Risico recognizes that she was manipulated and coerced into a situation beyond her control.
The emotional and psychological impact of the traumatic events that Risico endured at the hands of Wilder continue to affect her, as she grapples with feelings of guilt and responsibility for the suffering of the girls involved. Reflecting on her choices and the consequences that followed, Risico acknowledges that while she was not solely to blame for what happened, she struggles to come to terms with the role she unwittingly played in the horrific ordeal. The trauma and regret she feels serve as a constant reminder of the lasting scars left by Wilder’s heinous actions.
Despite the passage of time, Risico remains haunted by the events that transpired with Wilder and the lasting impact it has had on her life. The guilt and remorse she feels for her involvement in the abduction and assault of Wilt, as well as her own victimization by Wilder, weigh heavily on her conscience. The trauma that she endured continues to shape her perspective on the choices she made and the consequences that followed, reinforcing the importance of acknowledging the manipulation and coercion she experienced at the hands of a dangerous predator.
Risico’s account sheds light on the complex dynamics of manipulation and coercion that can occur in cases of abduction and sexual violence, highlighting the lasting effects on both the victims and those unwittingly pulled into the orbit of perpetrators like Wilder. Her story serves as a stark reminder of the psychological and emotional toll of trauma, as well as the enduring impact of guilt and regret on those who survive such harrowing experiences. By sharing her story, Risico hopes to raise awareness of the insidious tactics used by predators like Wilder and the importance of supporting and believing survivors of abduction and assault.
Moving forward, Risico continues to grapple with the trauma and regret stemming from her involvement in the crimes committed by Wilder, as well as the lasting impact on her life and psyche. Through sharing her story and confronting the painful memories of that fateful day, she seeks to acknowledge the complexity of victimization and manipulation in cases of abduction and sexual violence, shedding light on the emotional journey of survivors like herself. By speaking out and advocating for awareness and understanding of the lasting scars left by such traumatic experiences, Risico aims to provide a voice for those who have endured similar horrors at the hands of predators like Christopher Wilder.
