Sandra Podgorski a survivor who suffered a harrowing ordeal after being kidnapped, assaulted, and left for dead by armed men in Lucas County, Ohio. Her life took a tragic turn in May 1981 when she and her boyfriend, Thomas Gordon, faced a horrifying ordeal in Toledo, Ohio. Abducted by strangers, Sandra survived a brutal assault while tragically losing Thomas. Despite the trauma, Sandra’s resilience and determination to seek justice have defined her journey ever since. Born on , 1962, Sandra Podgorski hails from Ohio, United States. As in 2025, Sandra Podgorski's age is 63 years. Check below for more deets about Sandra Podgorski. Learn more about Sandra Podgorski facts, biography, age, birthday, trivia and more.
Sandra Podgorski gained attention when her harrowing story was featured on ID’s ‘People Magazine Investigates: Surviving A Serial Killer’ episode titled ‘Surviving the Cook Brothers’. This television appearance highlighted her courage in recounting the terrifying events she endured and her quest for justice, propelling her into the public eye as a survivor and advocate for victims’ rights.
Sandra Podgorski Profile:
| Stage Name | Sandra Podgorski |
| Real Name | Sandra Podgorski |
| Profession(s) | Survivor, |
| Birthday | , 1962 |
| Zodiac Sign | Capricorn |
| Age | 63 years |
| Gender | Female |
| Birthplace | Ohio, United States |
| Hometown | Ohio, Ohio, United States |
| Nationality | American |
Sandra Podgorski Family | |
| Father: | Not Available |
| Mother: | Not Available |
| Brother(s): | Not Available |
| Sister(s): | Not Available |
Family and Personal Life
- Sandra Podgorski‘ father’s name is Not Available and Sandra Podgorski‘ mother’s name is Not Available.
Sandra Podgorski Trivia
- Sandra Podgorski was born in Ohio, United States.
- Sandra Podgorski’s birth sign is Capricorn.
- Normal Life Before the Incident: In May 1981, Sandra Podgorski was out with her boyfriend, Thomas Gordon, leading an ordinary and hopeful life. At 18, she was looking forward to a bright future and was deeply in love with Gordon.
- Unexpected Abduction: While crossing Utica Street in Toledo, Ohio, the couple was suddenly abducted by two unknown men. They were taken a short distance away from where they had been walking.
- A terrifying ordeal: Sandra was attacked by the abductors, and the situation deteriorated rapidly. Tragically, her lover, Thomas Gordon, was murdered in the incident.
- Public Recounting of the Incident: Sandra bravely shared her traumatic experience in the episode titled ‘Surviving the Cook Brothers’ on ID’s ‘People Magazine Investigates: Surviving A Serial Killer.’ She discussed the terrifying events of that night and reflected on her journey toward seeking justice.
- The Abduction and Attack: Sandra Podgorski and her partner, Gordon, were kidnapped by armed men who took control of their car and drove them to Lucas County, Ohio. During the struggle to escape, Gordon was shot by the attackers. The men sexually assaulted Sandra and stabbed her multiple times with an awl, then left her for dead. Despite her severe injuries, Sandra survived and managed to call for help.
- Initial Investigation and Loss: Losing Gordon was a heartbreaking experience for Sandra. When the police arrived, she described her attackers as African American and recounted the horrific events. Initially, the police had no leads or answers for Sandra.
- Pattern of Violence: Eight months later, 18-year-old Connie Thompson’s body was discovered in the same spot, having been attacked and stabbed 43 times with an awl. The primary investigator suspected the same individual was responsible for both attacks. Over the next 17 months, similar violent incidents occurred throughout the neighborhood.
- Breakthrough and Arrest: DNA was obtained from the crime site, but it wasn’t until 1997 that technology enabled for an accurate match. Nathaniel Cook was identified as a suspect based on visual evidence. When DNA testing became feasible, it revealed Nathaniel’s participation. Nathaniel’s brother, Anthony Cook, was also identified as an accomplice using DNA evidence, supporting Sandra’s claim of two assailants.
- Early Legal Proceedings: In 1998, Nathaniel Cook faced charges for the murder of Gordon and the attempted murder of Sandra. Police suspected the brothers of involvement in other crimes, prompting them to offer a plea deal.
- Legal Agreement: The plea deal stipulated that Anthony Cook would receive a life sentence for Gordon’s murder, while Nathaniel would serve 20 years. In return, the brothers were required to provide details about their criminal activities in the Toledo area during the early 1980s.
- Court Appearance in 2018: In 2018, Sandra Podgorski, now known as Sandra Rollins, spoke in court during Nathaniel Cook’s release hearing. She expressed her opposition to his release, citing concerns for public safety and the need for him to remain imprisoned for life. Sandra shared her traumatic experience from that night and expressed her belief in divine justice.
- Life After Court: Since then, Sandra Rollins has maintained a low profile and is not publicly active. She may be focusing on coping with the aftermath of her perpetrator’s release. Sandra’s courageous act of speaking out in court has left a lasting impact on many survivors like her.
