Mary Stauffer, born in Duluth, Minnesota, was best known for surviving a horrific kidnapping ordeal in 1980. Before this traumatic event, she lived a relatively normal life as an English teacher and later as a Christian missionary. Stauffer was dedicated to helping others and spreading the message of faith and hope.
On a fateful day in May of 1980, Mary Stauffer and her young daughter, Beth, were leaving a salon when they were approached by Ming Sen Shiue, a former student of Stauffer's. Shiue held them at gunpoint and forced them into the trunk of his car. Tragically, a 6-year-old boy witnessed the abduction and was murdered by Shiue for his actions.
Shiue took Stauffer and Beth back to his house, where he kept them locked in a small closet for 53 days. During their captivity, Stauffer endured repeated sexual assaults at the hands of her captor, who also filmed the horrific acts. The psychological trauma inflicted on Stauffer and her daughter during this time was immeasurable.
Following their rescue, Mary Stauffer bravely faced her kidnapper in court. During the trial, Shiue attempted to attack Stauffer with a knife, leaving her with a severe wound that required 62 stitches. Despite the physical and emotional scars left by the ordeal, Stauffer remained resilient and determined to seek justice for herself and her daughter.
In 2019, Lifetime released a movie titled "Abducted: The Mary Stauffer Story," which portrayed the harrowing experiences endured by Stauffer and her daughter. Actress Alyson Hannigan portrayed Stauffer in the film, bringing attention to the courage and strength shown by Stauffer throughout her ordeal.
Mary Stauffer's life was forever changed by the traumatic kidnapping that made headlines around the world. Despite the horrors she faced, she remained devoted to her faith and continued to inspire others with her resilience and determination. Stauffer's legacy serves as a reminder of the enduring power of the human spirit in the face of unimaginable adversity.