Lisa Rinna Recounts Harrowing Story of How Her Mom Survived Near-Fatal Trailside Serial Killer Attack (Exclusive)

Lisa Rinna has shared a harrowing recollection of her late mother, Lois DeAndrade, who survived a near-fatal encounter with David Carpenter, infamously known as the Trailside Killer. In an exclusive segment from ‘IMPACT x Nightline,’ Rinna detailed the shocking events that unfolded during what was supposed to be an ordinary day for her mother.

Lois was on her way to the dentist, waiting at a bus stop, when Carpenter, a former acquaintance, approached her, offering a ride. Despite having reservations, she accepted his invitation. However, Rinna vividly described that the situation quickly began to feel unsettling. “When he started talking to her, he wasn’t stuttering, which was unusual,” Rinna explained. This was the first indication that something was amiss.

As the car journey progressed and Carpenter’s behaviour grew increasingly erratic, Lois sensed danger. The moment Carpenter parked, he suddenly attacked her, wielding a knife from the glove compartment. Rinna recounted that Lois attempted to defend herself but suffered severe injuries, losing the use of two of her fingers during the struggle.

In a terrifying escalation, Carpenter grabbed a hammer and struck her repeatedly. It was a military police officer on patrol who happened upon the scene, preventing what could have been a tragic outcome. Rinna recalled the officer’s decisive intervention, noting, “He shot David in the stomach, which ultimately saved my mother’s life.” Lois spent three months in hospital recovering from her injuries, including the insertion of a metal plate into her skull.

Carpenter’s infamy grew as he went on to become a notorious serial killer in Northern California, where he targeted unsuspecting victims, predominantly women, along hiking trails. While Carpenter was sentenced years later for multiple murders, it was shocking to learn that Lois was one of his early victims who survived.

Reflecting on her mother’s resilience, Rinna remarked, “I think my mum was positive. And never played a victim.” Throughout her life, Lois did not allow the trauma from that day to define her, and Rinna never saw her mother express self-pity.

Lois’s account of being attacked had been shared lightly in the past, but many details were not fully revealed until much later. In one of her previous comments on ‘The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills,’ Lois recalled the brutal incident: “I thought that was it. He’s straddling me. He had a hammer in one hand and a knife in another.” This chilling testimony underscores the gravity of the situation.

The episode of ‘IMPACT x Nightline,’ titled “Terror on the Trails,” delves deeper into Carpenter’s dark legacy, addressing not only his crimes but also the potential for unreported victims. The show includes insights from survivors and families affected by Carpenter’s horrific actions, detailing their pain and ongoing struggles.

Rinna expressed sadness and empathy for her mother as she uncovered the full breadth of the trauma Lois had endured. Initially, Lois had attributed her injuries to a “kid hitting her in the head with a hammer,” unaware of the lasting psychological impact of the attack. Rinna stated, “It takes so much courage to come forward. I think the least we can do is show these victims some compassion.”

The impact of this family tragedy has resonated deeply with Rinna. She conveyed the challenges of processing her mother’s horrifying experience, emphasising the importance of compassion and awareness for victims of violent crime.

The upcoming episode will be available for streaming on Hulu and Disney+ on April 9, highlighting the broader narrative of survival amidst terror and the necessity of bringing such stories to light. Rinna’s commitment to honour her mother’s memory by sharing their story sheds light not only on her personal loss but also on broader societal issues related to violence and victimisation.