Return to the House of Horrors
Fifteen years after the most ghastly crime in the city's history, a survivor breaks her silence about Gary Heidnik.
The door to Josefina Rivera's motel room sits wide open, sending music clear across the parking lot.
The room snugly holds a dorm-sized refrigerator, a microwave oven and a dinner table with enough space for two small settings. The television is bolted to the wall, closer to the ceiling than the floor. In the bathroom, the new bride's wedding dress hangs from the shower rod.
Josefina Rivera's whole life has been governed by confinement. But unlike her past digs, this cramped roadside motor lodge near Atlantic City is no claustrophobic way station--it's her home. Rivera says she's happier here than she's been in years; happier than she was roaming the streets of North Philadelphia after fleeing a foster home at 12; and far happier than she was when she was living in Girard Avenue flop-houses, turning tricks and shooting cocaine.
Sitting on the double bed that monopolizes the space she calls her own, Rivera is about to replay the story of her lifelong nightmare.
It is the first time she has chosen to share her story at length in 15 years. (Rivera did grant one television interview regarding Heidnik's sanity around the time of his execution).
Having previously announced she'd only tell her story for money--a request she did not make during a recent series of interviews for PW--Rivera now hopes her account will help those who may be making the kind of mistakes that nearly ended her life.
"My story could benefit a lot of girls, the ones that only see one side of prostitution," she says. "They think they can run outside, make some money and then--boom--they're on their way. They don't think anything can go wrong. Well, guess what? Something can go wrong."
Leaning forward to be heard over the music videos playing on the television, the petite 41-year-old says it all turned out better than could be expected.
Grabbing the remote, she lowers the decibels on P. Diddy.
"I still have problems with my hearing," she apologizes. "Can't even hear myself talk sometimes because of what he did with the screwdrivers. It's just one of those things I still have with me. One of those things I'll always have with me."
Rivera looks out the door to her motel room just as an F-16 fighter jet from a nearby air station roars out to sea. As it trails off into the sky, she starts to talk about the night that changed her life.
The night a $20 hour of sex became four months of life-shattering hell.
The night she met Gary Heidnik.
Fifteen years ago this month "House of Horrors" became the trademark designation for what may be the most gruesome crime in Philadelphia history.
On March 25, 1987, a hysterical prostitute called the police, ranting about how she'd just escaped a madman who'd held her and five other women hostage inside his N. Marshall Street rowhouse, near Broad and Allegheny.
At that moment three women were still chained to Gary Heidnik's basement pipes, naked but for their shirts. Body parts from another victim were stored in his refrigerator. Two days earlier, he had dumped a woman's electrocuted corpse in the Pine Barrens.
The woman showed the police the scars on her ankles from the muffler clamps Heidnik had used to tether her to sewer pipes in the dirt-encrusted basement. Responding to her claims of brutality, police drove to the nearby gas station where she said Heidnik would be waiting for her to show up with another victim. It was the promise she made to hatch her escape.
At the gas station police found Heidnik sitting in his Cadillac Coupe DeVille. When they went to his house and knocked down the front door, they faced a horrifying crime scene.
COMMENTS
ADD COMMENT
MORE
Article:
Catholic Church Fights to Kill PA's Statute of Limitation Reform
Article:
The Faces Issue: Celebrating Black History Month
Article:
Iraq War Veterans Turn to Marijuana for Managing PTSD Symptoms
Article:
Photographer Zoe Strauss Took This Photo 10 Years Ago. Here Is the Story of "Mattress Flip"
Article:
"Star & Buc Wild" Shock Jock Troi Torain Wants You to Start Snitching
Article:
The Big and Small Moments of 2011
Article:
"Deadbeat" Father Questions the Effectiveness of the Child-Support System
Article:
Philly Artists—Sick of the Mainstream Gallery System—Revive the Alternatives
1. tiffany said... on Aug 23, 2008 at 05:38PM
“i have question in the book by Ken Englade. It claims that Josefina never suffered the screw driver to her ears.”
2. HTJ said... on Apr 20, 2009 at 04:18AM
“Even if she didnt this women suffer a whole lot.”
3. Ricky said... on Apr 24, 2009 at 03:01PM
“Josefina is the big hero in this mess. She did what she
needed to do. The other girls to this day refuse to discuss
the incident. Josefina was the only one who realized that
she needed to make this guy believe she was her friend
so that she could escape. She even waited many months
for the perfect time to get him caught and free the others.
They should understand that her 'crimes' were only to
persuade the evil master that she could be trusted so she
could finally be free and most importantly, help the others.”
4. D. Ranged said... on Jul 5, 2009 at 09:42PM
“I believe women who take a child away from their father without just cause should be severly punished and perhaps a death penalty imposed.”
5. Carol 201 said... on Oct 15, 2009 at 03:19AM
“I have listened to Josefina tell her story, both in print and televised on "Investigation Discovery," and this woman is a hero. I feel sorry for the other victims, but to be honest, after everything I read, they just were not as bright as Josefina. Too bad she didn't have the confidence in herself to get an education.
Josefina, where ever you are, be proud of yourself, and don't listen to those out there who accuse you of being an accomplice. The other girls with you in the basement, just are not wise enough to see you saved there lives. My heart goes out to you for everything you have been through, and for have to endure criticism for saving the lives of others. You are an incredible human being. I wish I had been around when you were going through the trial, and everything afterwards. I would have come out in your defense.
Thank you.”
6. AWB said... on Dec 21, 2009 at 02:10PM
“The first time I saw Gary Heidnik I saw the words "rape and prostitute". I thought to myself, now that is a good looking guy, why would he have to rape anyone? Then I read on and soon this good looking guy morphed into a horrific monster. This is not Gary Heidnik fault. He was (on the record)mentally ill for some time before he was caught AGAIN. I feel that the justice system failed these women who fell victim to this horrible monster who once was locked up for doing the same thing to another girl back in 1978. I can only hope that these woman can find some closure in his death. They do not have to fear him anymore. Thier lives will never be the same. May God look over them and heal them.”
7. Joey said... on Jan 13, 2010 at 10:58PM
“It's horribly, horribly true. We need to evolve to a point where we can do something different than punish these monsters with a slap on the wrist and let them go so they can ferment into worse monsters. We need better science to understand and treat brains of people who are starting to go down that road”
8. Ally said... on Jan 15, 2010 at 12:15PM
“I believe that Josefina was a victim, but I can't help but wondering why there seen to be some discrepancies in her various recountings of the details. I also can't help but wondering why these women would be so willing to put themselves in such dangerous situations for so little return. I tell my girls not even to walk alone after dark let alone get in a car with someone you don't know. How scary is that. I understand that they come from a terribly different world than do, but...”
9. Anonymous said... on Feb 19, 2010 at 03:16AM
“Ally, if what you wrote there in quotes is yours, SHAME ON YOU FOR BLAMING VICTIMS. No woman, no person, deserves what happened to these women. They were all victims. One of them was mentally retarded. How dare you suggest they were "willing to put themselves in dangerous situations". What kind of heartless piece of crap are you? Grow a conscience.”
10. Karen H. said... on Feb 27, 2010 at 08:34PM
“I can't even begin to digest what these women went through. How terrible this had to be for them! NOBODY, I don't care what kind of activities they choose to participate, deserves such treatment. I hope and pray that all these women have found the strength to move on with their lives. Surviving this nightmare is one thing, but just try to imagine what life must be like for these women. Instead of placing blame, and doubting certain victim's roles in all of this, we should be showing encouragement and support. EVERYONE of those ladies was a VICTIM! They will always be in my prayers.”
11. Trish said... on Apr 14, 2010 at 02:17PM
“In the book Cellar of Horror by Ken Englade, it claims that Josefina did not get the screwdriver to her ear, that the other captives were the ones who suffered that...just curious which peice of information is the correct one.”
12. Dee said... on Jun 1, 2010 at 03:19PM
“I have just seen the ID interview of this crime, and I have this to say, "Josephina you did what is called survival and not just for yourself but in the end to save others". If others don't understand that too bad, they were not in the position you were in and probably would not have been as smart were they ever in that position. Feel what they may, those other women still have to come to terms that they are alive because of you. Postitution is a distructive thing but unfortunately is the end results of other issues that are going on or has gone on in a young girls life. No one, no matter what, deserved what happened to you ladies, and it doesn't matter what sequence is correct, I would like to see any of you going thru such a tramatic situation and keep all that straight. Like Karen I pray that these women (victims) mend and can eventually go on in peace.”
13. Alex said... on Jun 1, 2010 at 10:05PM
“I too saw the ID episode and couldn't get the story out of my head. Still intrigued, I did a little research (which is futile for such a tremendous crime), and what I have concluded is kudos Josefina. The fact that you received negativity from your peers after such a sick, sadistic ordeal only proves why you were the "leader". Not to be a total Darwinist freak, but you were the sharpest for sure. I can only imagine what you went through in your past to make you such a survivor. Abuse is never okay and I hope you realize your tremedous potential.
Alexandra”
14. Amy B said... on Jul 16, 2010 at 02:30PM
“i grew up 2 blocks away from his house me and my best friend melissa would play on her steps across the street from his house...we were 11 when it happened...it was a surprise as to how twisted G.H. was but he was always quiet and strange...”
15. Kelly said... on Aug 6, 2010 at 12:14AM
“I am still waiting for I.D. to re air the Escaped Cellar of Terror episode. Gary Heidnik was SUCH a piece of trash.”
16. Chris said... on Oct 8, 2010 at 10:42AM
“I'm a friend of Josephina. The stories are true,screwdrivers and all. There is even more horror involved in this case than has been published. She carries on in a positive manner,though the memories are there every night and day. Thanks to those who see her as a hero for that is what Josephina is”
17. Laura Momaney said... on Oct 11, 2010 at 01:35PM
“I have read the book and watched the show on ID. This woman's supreme courage, tenacity and stunning capacity to endure and then prevail that horrorc leaves me without the language it would require to express my feelings. My spirit is exhausted beyond measure when I think about what she endured and would help her in a hearbeat if there was ever the opportunity was presented. I would be honored to communicate with her directly since she resides in a special part of my heart where I give thanks for her existence and concern for her welfare, hoping, wishing that someday, someway I might be able to know her personally. Stranger things have happened as evidenced by those four months she lived in a hellish nightmare.”
18. Amber B. said... on Oct 15, 2010 at 08:12AM
“I was wondering if anyone knows if the Heidnik house is still there or was it finally knocked down? I am curious.”
19. Anonymous said... on Oct 17, 2010 at 07:54PM
“It is still there, I think someone is living in it.”
20. Anonymous said... on Oct 23, 2010 at 01:48AM
“That was a sad story. Kuds to Josephina! If I was in the situation as you and the rest of the girls I don't thinnk I will be brave enough to follow your footsteps. But to the rest of the girls who thought of Josephina as an accomplice, think about what your actions and think about Josephina's. She is a hero and a saviour. To Josephina, good luck and best of wishes to everything! I hope that one day you and the rest of the victims can finally find peace within yourselves.”
21. sandra's niece said... on Oct 24, 2010 at 12:34PM
“My aunt was mentally ill and that worthless man took her and did those thing to her.She was the one blended with the dog food. I was reading that he took Josephina to the kitchen and lead her to the stove.On the stove was a pot and in the pot was my aunts' head. That was the hardest thing i had to read.”
22. Laura Momaney said... on Oct 27, 2010 at 10:52AM
“This event and the inflictions these women suffered are beyond my capacity to understand the evil, the ugliness and horror in the most ordinary looking human being. I lock every door, window and always carry a weapon (or two). I know people, myself included, can survive against incredible adversity but most certainly the thought of being even a friend or family member of any one of these women is almost more than I can imagine having to live with. My God, this breaks my heart.......<3 to all of you.”
23. Ricardo and Zornae Sepulveda said... on Nov 10, 2010 at 02:27PM
“this is not a joke josefina rivera is our mother. We were put up for adoption over 24 years ago. We are trying to locate our mother Josefina Rivera, but have been unsuccessful. If you have any information please contact us at the email address: ricadosepulveda97@yahoo.com, zornaesepulbeda@yahoo.com, Blanca201092@yahoo.com, uniqu309@yahoo.com. Thank you”
24. Anonymous said... on Nov 11, 2010 at 09:14PM
“I hate to say this, but Josefina is such a liar. Just come forward with the truth. Yes, it is unspeakable what she and the other women went through. Why is she lying about things though?”
25. Kay said... on Jan 26, 2011 at 05:02PM
“Josefina, you are a hero! All comments that are negative just look over them . You were the one that was inflicted by such evil and was there. So continue to stay positive and keep your head up toward heaven.”
26. Elaine said... on Jan 31, 2011 at 03:18AM
“Oh my gosh. I just watched her story on Investigation Discovery and I feel such hope and despair at the same time. I can't even imagine living with those memories. On the hand, Josefina, you are so amazing. I cannot believe how you survived and that to this day you continue to try and live a normal life. Forget all the negative things people say about you. In my book, you are a hero.”
27. ray1 said... on Feb 5, 2011 at 07:05PM
“josefina knows she opperated in the classic "If u cant beat'm join'm" with Heidnik, Im not saying she deserved this but she Is not as innocent AS OTHER VICTIMS,as far as her storys not adding up to books, CRACKheads lie so much,they dont no the truth from 1min. to the next. Why didnt she signal for help all the times they ate in restaurants& went shoping after she earned his trust,I wouldnt be surprised if she was rewared in drugs,She was sharing a bed with him toward the end! I dont blame the other woman for noy wanting to speak out,impowering him by reliving the horor,just to satisfy US the Public!”
28. miss sharni-lea said... on Feb 22, 2011 at 10:33PM
“although josefina shouldnt of taken a ride with this evil person which is were she went wrong but at least she did a good job in getting him caught!!!!
”
29. chip said... on Jun 30, 2011 at 10:42AM
“You cannot judge Josefina unless you were in that position yourself. She did the best she could in a dire situation.
Chip”
30. Anonymous said... on Aug 6, 2011 at 12:18AM
“Gary used the mentall illness ruSE TO ExIT the military, in a way taught by his brother. Gary was just evil, it took me nine years track this person down. Many of those killed were killed on grays ferry ave. My interest was his distribution of guns to gangs in philly and jersey.”
31. Anonymous said... on Sep 7, 2011 at 02:37PM
“I don't know what to really think of this guy. ???? Was he acting or what?. Anyway, what a piece of white trash, LOL.”
32. Anonymous said... on Oct 5, 2011 at 09:17AM
“Well I happen to know one of the women and there's a lot of things that's being left out. But I don't really feel for them cause they put there self in that sitution.”
33. Monica said... on Oct 20, 2011 at 12:35AM
“She played the role she needed to play to gain his trust. Wether it be to lay in his bed, eat at restaurants ect. This role bought her just enought time away from him, so she can report what was being done. If he only half trusted her, he would have pulled out of the gas station parking lot, ran home, transferred the victims elseware, and cleaned up the remaining evedence. It would have been a her word against his. She is a victim just like everyone else that was there. God bless them all.”
34. Todd said... on Oct 22, 2011 at 12:02AM
“Hello,
If anyone is related to the victims please email toddbs1220@yahoo.com.
I am work with a Phila. Film Company and we are looking for interviews.
Thank You”