The 'Railroad Killer' and the lone survivor of his heinous crimes, Holly Dunn.

At least 15 murders near railroad tracks were linked to Ángel Maturino Reséndiz.

The 'Railroad Killer' and the lone survivor of his heinous crimes, Holly Dunn.
The 'Railroad Killer' and the lone survivor of his heinous crimes, Holly Dunn.

The "Railroad Killer," Ángel Maturino Reséndiz, killed everyone except for Holly Dunn.

On August 28, 1997, while in her junior year at the University of Kentucky, Holly Dunn and her boyfriend, Chris Maier, were assaulted by the Railroad Killer as they strolled along railroad tracks following a celebration.

The ‘Railroad Killer’

Mugshot of serial killer Raphael Resendez-Ramirez
The mugshot of serial killer Raphael Resendez-Ramirez, who was on the FBI's 10 most wanted list.  (Paul S. Howell/Getty Images)

Rafael Resendez-Ramirez, a Mexican national, was a notorious serial killer and rapist who operated under the alias Reséndiz in the 1990s. He committed crimes across several U.S. states, including Texas, Kentucky, and Illinois, and was known for utilizing railways for transportation.

By freight train, he traveled across the country and eventually made it onto the FBI's Most Wanted list.

Despite being raped and severely beaten, Dunn miraculously survived the attack.

In Reséndiz's trial, Dunn was the key witness. On May 17, 1999, after 10 hours of deliberation, the jury found Reséndiz guilty of first-degree, premeditated murder. Despite last-minute appeals from his legal team, Reséndiz was sentenced to death and executed in 2006.

Reséndiz, before his execution, declared, "I deserve what I am receiving" and "Lord, forgive me. Lord, forgive me" while his family observed through a window.

"He said to the relatives of victims in another room, "I want to ask if it is in your hearts to forgive me, but you don't have to. I know I allowed the devil to rule my life.""

Reséndiz said, "I thank God for having patience for me. I don't deserve to cause you pain. You did not deserve this. I deserve what I am getting."

Before his execution on June 27, 2006, Reséndiz admitted to more murders than the nine known at trial. Authorities linked him to at least 15 homicides in six states: Texas, Kentucky, Georgia, Illinois, Florida, and California.

Holly Dunn's journey to healing

Holly Dunn during an interview
Holly Dunn, a survivor of a brutal assault by the notorious serial killer Ángel Maturino Reséndiz, dedicated her life to advocating for victims of sexual assault. (Holly K. Dunn website)

Following the vicious assault by the Railroad Killer, Dunn had to confront the arduous challenge of recovering both physically and emotionally.

"Holly K. Dunn, a victim of a violent attack, has become a vocal advocate for victims of violent crimes, using her story to raise awareness and support others who have faced similar traumas. She believes that her personal experience can help create awareness of potential dangers around us," according to information on her website.

She champions the rights of survivors to healing and justice by shedding light on their often-overlooked struggles and empowering them to find their voices.

Holly Dunn's legacy

Holly Dunn advocating for survivors of sexual assault
Through her advocacy work, Dunn empowered survivors to find their voices, seek justice, and shed light on the often-overlooked struggles faced by victims of sexual violence. (Holly K. Dunn website)

Dunn's story has greatly influenced the true-crime genre and public consciousness, as it has been showcased in numerous true-crime documentaries, interviews, and media coverage.

In her memoir "Sole Survivor," Dunn recounts her resilience and recovery from a harrowing true crime, detailing her survival of a brutal assault and taking readers on a journey through justice, finding purpose, and dedicating herself to aiding victims of sexual assault and violent crimes. She also founded Holly's House, a secure and supportive haven for victims of sexual violence in Evansville, Indiana, her hometown.

After the attack, Dunn went on to earn several degrees, including a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration from the University of Kentucky in 2000, a Master's degree in Business Administration from the University of Southern Indiana in 2006, and an Honorary Doctorate of Humanities from Oakland City University in 2007.

Dunn's transformation from a victim of the Railroad Killer to a survivor and advocate is a story that embodies the human spirit's resilience in the face of adversity. Through her harrowing experience, she emerged as a prominent voice in discussions about criminal justice, victim advocacy, and the psychological effects of trauma.

Carol Jordan, Director of the University of Kentucky Center for Research on Violence Against Women, describes Holly Dunn as a highly talented and eloquent woman with the resilience to turn her adversity into something remarkable.

by Maeghan Dolph

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