In a gripping new episode of ‘People Magazine Investigates: Surviving a Serial Killer’, the harrowing account of Amber Carter is brought to light, revealing the devastating impact of her ex-boyfriend’s violent spree, which claimed four innocent lives, including that of her father, Blair Carter. The episode, titled “Surviving the Thrill Killer,” is available on Investigation Discovery and will be streamed on HBO Max starting on July 7.
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Amber Carter’s ordeal began on Halloween night in 2020, when, following a seemingly harmless impulse, she reached out to her former partner, Jeremy Harris. The 29-year-old mother, who was staying at her father’s house to escape Harris, soon regretted the decision. Harris, who had a history of domestic violence and was recently released from prison, wasted no time in expressing his intention to find her. “Where are you?” he had asked, and when she refused to disclose her location, he hung up, leaving Carter with a chilling sense of foreboding.
Just hours after that fateful call, Harris embarked on a violent rampage in Dallas, where he fatally shot 19-year-old college student Robert Urrea in a tragic series of random attacks that sent shockwaves through the community. Over the span of several weeks, Harris continued to target vulnerable individuals, raising concerns among police about the presence of a serial killer on the loose.
The cycle of violence reached its tragic climax on November 18, 2020, when Harris located Carter’s residence. In an act of unimaginable brutality, he entered the home and shot her father dead at the age of 60, before setting the house ablaze. Harris was arrested the following day and later pleaded guilty to four murders in 2023, earning a life sentence without the possibility of parole.
Carter’s story encapsulates not only her journey through fear and loss but also her ongoing quest for healing. Reflecting on the trauma she endured, she expressed deep feelings of survivor’s guilt. “I definitely have survivor’s guilt,” Carter admitted. “Obviously I was the link. He sought me out, and he was on a mission.”
Growing up in Frisco, Texas, Carter was raised by both her parents until she moved in with her father full-time at the age of 12 after her parents’ separation. Her father played a pivotal role in her life, especially during her teenage years and pregnancy, providing steadfast support as she navigated these challenges.
In 2013, while attending college, Carter met Harris through mutual friends. Initially drawn to his intelligence and charm, she soon found herself entangled in a relationship marked by violence. Despite welcoming a child together, Harris’s abusive tendencies became increasingly apparent, culminating in a terrifying incident in 2017 when Carter’s father intervened by calling the police during an attack.
As the anniversary of that terrible night approached, Carter’s emotional state led her to contact Harris, hoping to make sense of their fractured relationship. Instead, the conversation escalated into tragedy, setting off a deadly chain reaction that would alter countless lives.
Following her father’s death, the gravity of the situation hit her hard. Body cam footage from the aftermath captured the moment she learned of her father’s murder, revealing the deep anguish she felt when she had to answer questions about her connection to the man responsible.
Now, Amber Carter is embarking on a path to recovery. She graduated to a role as a mental-health crisis responder and strives to find purpose in her life while honouring the memory of her father. In a heartwarming moment, she recounted an interaction with their daughter, after Harris reportedly sent a birthday card from prison. “It was emotional. We cried together and talked about how it’s okay to be angry [at your father] and sad and to love your grandpa,” she reflected.
Carter remains determined to create a positive legacy in her children’s lives, hoping to live in a manner that would make her father proud. As her experiences are showcased in the upcoming episode, it shines a light on enduring trauma and the strength found in survival.
For those facing domestic violence, support is available. The National Domestic Violence Hotline can be reached at 1-800-799-7233, offering confidential assistance 24/7 in over 170 languages.