Netflix's hot new true-crime documentary Believe Me: The Abduction of Lisa McVey has left fans in tears.
Warning: This article contains content that some readers may find distressing
Is 'Believe Me' a true story?
The film tells the true story of Lisa McVey who, at age 17, was abducted at gunpoint by notorious serial killer Bobby Joe Long.
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What she didn't know at the time was that Long had raped and killed at least ten women in the Tampa Bay area of Florida before their encounter, and that she would later lead police to his capture.
But when she first escaped, nobody believed her - hence the Netflix title.
How long was Lisa McVey abducted for?
Lisa McVey was abducted at gunpoint while riding her bike home from work on the evening of 3rd November 1984.
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Lisa was held captive by Long for 26 hours, during which time he raped her multiple times.
How did Lisa McVey get away?
Using a series of survival tactics, Lisa - who had been abused as a child - managed to persuade Long to set her free.
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"I had to take all of the abuse I had incurred as a child and just reach down one more time, into the pit of my stomach, and tap into those survivor skills in order to overcome him psychologically. And it worked. Here I am," she told Fox News in 2018.
Viewers of the Netflix doc were amazed that young Lisa managed to endure her tormentor, use reverse psychology to escape from his clutches, and mentally gather as much evidence as possible to lead to his arrest after her escape.
Even though she'd gathered clues to her ordeal, things were made even tougher for Lisa, who is not believed by anyone when she gets home except for one senior detective.
How was Bobby Joe Long caught?
Thanks to her incredible survival tactics and all of the details she remembered about the abduction, Lisa managed to help police track Long down and stop him in his tracks. He was arrested outside a cinema on 16th November 1984 and received 28 life sentences and one death sentence.
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In a disturbing interview with Long filmed after he was caught, he can be seen smirking, and casually claiming "he didn't know why" he had committed the heinous crimes.
Is Bobby Joe Long still alive?
Bobby Joe Long was executed on 23rd May 2019, after more than 30 years on death row.
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In a powerful statement after his execution, Lisa said:
"Bobby Joe Long, people ask me what I would say to you if you were standing in front of me and here's my answer.
"Bobby Joe Long, thank you. Thank you for choosing me instead of another 17-year-old little girl. The reason why I say 'thank you' now is because I have forgiven you for what you have done to me.
"Had I not forgiven you, I might as well have been in my own prison, without walls.
"God has shown me the only way to really be free when someone bestows injustice against you is complete forgiveness.
"My life changed forever and for the better. I chose not to remain a victim, I chose to live... I end my statement with one last thing Bobby Joe Long and hear me loud and clear, hear my roaring voice, may God have mercy on your soul, long overdue."
You can watch the full statement in the video player below.
Lisa McVey now
Lisa McVey, now known as Lisa Noland is a police officer. She lives and works not far from where she was abducted 37 years ago.
For two decades, the 54-year-old has specialised in sex crimes and protecting children at the Hillsborough Counry Sherrif's Office. A true hero, she told Fox 13, she's "a protector. No one's going to get hurt on my watch."
According to The Sun, Lisa also works as a motivational speaker and school resource deputy.
She said the abuse she received in childhood and then her abduction "was my motivation to become a police officer. I'm no longer a victim."
She hopes that the Netflix documentary will give hope to other victims that life can move on after trauma.
"It's to show people how to embrace life after horrific things happen to you," she said. "Maybe physical things, maybe mental or emotional, I want to be an inspiration to others."
Believe Me: The Abduction of Lisa McVey is available to stream on Netflix now.
Featured Image Credit: Lifetime/Netflix/ABCTopics: True Crime, Documentaries, TV & Film, Netflix