Why Elisabeth?

From the time that Liesl was 11 until she was 18, her father would find different ways and times to rape her. Because of all the abuse, Elisabeth decided that she would rather run away than have to deal with her father’s punishing behavior. Unfortunately for her, the authorities would find her and always bring her back to her doorstep, believing that she was better off in the safety of her home. If they only knew of the kind of disgusting treatment she was receiving in the place that was supposed to be a “haven” for a young girl. In fact, it was said that later on when she spoke with detectives, she said, “I don’t know why it was so. My father simply chose me for himself.”

Still Planning Her Escape

Despite authorities continuously bringing her back home, Elisabeth didn’t give up hope that one day she would be free from her father’s clutches. At the age of 15, she began waitress training at a rest stop on Rosenberger highway. During her instruction, she and a few of the other girls were able to sleep in a dormitory on site. Supposedly this was the first time in a very long time that she actually felt safe. But in January of 1983, she decided to try her luck at running away again, but after 3 weeks, she was returned home, and into the welcoming embrace of her parents once again.