This was incredibly well told. Krystal, you kick ass! Keep being an inspiration for all those afraid to speak out against their attackers.

She crawled towards her friend and rubbed her back with such love and care until she died in her arms. Bless this girl I hope she gets everything she ever wants in life.

The fact she was holding her slit throat, literally bleeding out, and is only focused on getting help for her friend and her family is so telling to her character. I hope her sweet soul is protected for the rest of her life.

I gotta say, the tv show that arranged the meeting between her and another victim of a similar crime was probably one of the best things a tv show could do in this type of situation. Knowing there are others like her definitely helped her in one way or another. She also remembered the advice from the girl, and that helped her carry on with the testimony

When Krystal opened that little parcel with the ring from Kristie & says “Mommy" 😭 it really hits you how young she was. I’m so glad Kristie was able to pass on strength to Krystal to testify. 💛

The strength some kids have after going through something as awful as this is nothing short as amazing.

Anyone else cry during the testimony? Bravest 10 year old ever

Forcing a child to relive all that trauma even after the killer CONFESSED is barbaric. Telling her if she doesn't then this guy might be released??? He CONFESSED and she already identified him

I don’t typically cry while watching true crime, but wow she is so freaking courageous and strong.😭

What a brave and courageous young girl.

I want to give a massive thanks to the other young victim who helped this girl to get the confidence to face her attacker in court it must of been hard for her also , my prays go out to every soul that has been taken by these type of beasts ...please god protect our children from these monsters and help bring peace to their families and loved ones 🙏💙🐓

I’ve seen this story on tv, but am always impressed by this girl. The fact that she took the time to comfort her dying friend is really amazing.

I'm a 41 year old man and I don't cry a lot but this video definitely got me especially at 14:10. What a brave little girl!

What a sweetheart. The way she reacted when she saw the ring her mother gave her. Little girls are a gift to the world. A treasure.

I'll never forget my big sisters testifying against my dad after he killed our Mama. I was five and to little to be put on the stand but they were 16 and 20. Blessed are those who suffer for they shall be comforted.

Good god, 22 murder victims! What evil is this?! 🤬 Brave girl who survived, what a nightmare to live with for the rest of your days. But she stood before him in court to make sure he was going nowhere, never again to hurt anyone else.

“Will I live?” I don’t think any person specially a child should ever have to ask that question. What a brave young girl to face her attacker in court 💪🏼

"If she fails to give testimony in court he might be released" How? He literally confessed to the murder of 22 people.

this is horrific she is incredibly brave for her age, I hope she is getting through it more each day! and may the other victims rest peacefully

Anyone else amazed that, at only 10 yrs old and despite what she’d just been through, she was capable of writing out a note for the neighbor while she had to be panicking? Then, while only capable of communicating through writing what he looked like, she was able to provide enough info for a sketch artist? And not just that but, that she was so accurate? She was an amazing girl?

This story hit differently. I have tears. The ring broke me. Terrifying knowing there are other monsters like this, probably closer than we'll hopefully never know for ourselves.

The fact the other girl gave her the ring is so sweet I hope they stayed friends for a while

What a brave little girl. So sorry about the horrendous deeds that monster did to you and your friends, and so sorry for the sad loss of your friends. Poor babies.

He already had 22 victims! Only God knows how many people she saved!

This is literally terrifying. I could never in a million years put this on my biggest enemy’s. This is terrible😭

I know it wasn’t easy, but I am so PROUD of Krystal for testifying. She went through so much trauma, not to mention she likely feels survivor’s guilt. She will always think of Katie. Krystal is such a strong young woman.

I cannot get over how strong she is. She is the most special person I’ve ever seen. It’s unreal

The real bravery is not her survival instinct. It's her conscious ability to battle the fear of facing her attacker face-to-face in the courtroom and revisiting her horror night just so that she can tell the whole world about what she went through that night. No amount of courage can make a normal person to stand up like that at age of 11. That's just brutal in her own prime!

What she went through is beyond horrifying. What an incredible spirit she has. I'm so happy she survived. What an absolute monster he was.

13:49 I had suspected/hoped this was going to happen after the narrator had mentioned how Christy was wearing that ring when she was in court. So when they showed Krystal being given that before trial, I immediately started bawling. This was such a beautiful and IMPACTFUL gesture and I know these two brave women will have a lifelong connection to one another. It’s awful and so unfair that this type of trauma is what they both share, but I’m so glad that they met each other and bonded. I’m sure that helped them both. They are both incredibly strong. ❤

I watch true crime videos ALL the time. This one had me unable to stop crying. Everything in life has a purpose..her purpose was to put a very very disgusting man into prison and soon to death.

It saddens me that on January 2nd 2000 I was turning 8 and this little girl had to go through all of that. I appreciate and respect her strength and perseverance.

I know she was in shock but the fact that she vaguely knows that she was injured badly but her only thought was to comfort her friend really shows her character.

Man, this really got to me. Seeing the footage of such a young girl persevering through such deep trauma in order to bring justice to her best friend really got to me. I have a niece her age, and she even sounds like my niece, and I couldn't help but imagine if my niece were in such a terrible position and it dug even deeper into my heart. She was so brave and selfless, and she still is as a grown woman.

Kids are such amazing little beings. True they’re very fragile and vulnerable to the cruelty of the world…but they’re also far stronger, braver and more resilient than we often realize, or remember to give them credit for. What an inspiration that little girl was (and continues to be) to countless people around the world. I hope she continues on to have a long, healthy and joyful life. ❤

When she started crying in court I teared up bad. That poor baby shouldn't have gone through that

This case is the most emotional I’ve felt about true accounts of this sort of thing. When she described how she pretended to be dead so he didn’t come back to kill her for sure I teared up and felt sick deep in my stomach. I really hope Krystal is doing better than ever today.

She was so young, to experience something so horrific. She was there to comfort her friend even when she was bleeding out. It brought me tears to just think about that. Krystal is so strong, and May her friend rest in piece.

Dear God, the rage this made me feel. I'd love to be locked in a room with this guy and have a selection of tools from my shed with me.

Such strong young ladies. ❤️They made her go to court at the age of 11? when he quite obviously admitted he did it? Despicable! They must have been able to get him convicted without it. I hope those families are ok now. ✌️

When she opened the package and saw the ring, that's when I lost it. What an amazing little girl!!!

This gave me chills. That poor baby having to survive through this. I hope she has found peace in her life.

God love that child’s heart She is the sweetest little girl His could anyone hurt a child this innocent and pure. To turn her mind from being a child to being a haunted victim. I truly hope she has had piece in her life.

I can’t believe I never heard of this case before!!! Crystal’s intelligence and beautiful loving heart is ultimately what destroyed that evil monster!! Her throat has been torn open yet she has the presence of mind to hold and comfort her dying best friend Katy! The thought of that scene rips my guts out and I am sobbing uncontrollably!!! Then after staying with Katy as long as she dared, she gets up holds her own slit throat together with her bare hands and walks the long walk across the street for help with her only thoughts being to get help for Katy and everyone else 😱 Only after she has made sure everyone understands they need to get over there and help Katy and her family, does she finally ask the neighbor “Will I live” 😭😭The presence of mind in this beautiful child is astounding!! I hope Katy’s mom has some comfort knowing that in her beautiful daughter’s last moments she was not alone and she did have someone there with her who truly loved her! Katy was a beautiful young lady! Her family has my deepest condolences and may she rest in peace! Cheers

If you look up Tommy's victims, he's done so much horrendous acts, from tiny infants, kids, murdering children in front of their mothers and then taking the mothers lives, such a cruel monster.

Geez, and this Kristie Reed... so young to have been attacked within her home as well and to have lost her sister in that senseless crime. And what a lovely young lady she is to try and help Krystal out with some helpful tips to try and get through having to give court testimony against this monster.

What a bad ass! I am so proud of her. This story honestly moved me to tears.

Krystal’s testimony was so heartbreaking yet powerful. I’m literally in tears while my kids sleep on my sofa .. I’m so proud of you Krystal .. you were so strong sweetheart..

Great job Krystal! Excellent narrator, btw. Easy to understand and not rushed. Gives a sense of respect.

She's my favorite kind of person, the person I hope I would be in that situation, and the person I hope my daughter becomes. That was obviously so hard for her but she didn't even think twice about doing what she could to put him away for what he did. So impressive.

I cried watching her testify , such a brave little girl.

To ensure such trauma that young is so disturbing… I am so sorry she had to witness her best friend dying in front of her and then enduring the same pain she did… what a brave soul… I hope she got and continues to get therapy ❤️🙏🏻

This video made me cry. This poor little girl has endured so much more than anyone should ever suffer through. Let alone a 10yo! She is an inspiration to all who have ever been attacked - by outsmarting her assailant and testifying against him in court. She's a testament to her parents for bringing up an intelligent young lady who's capable of thinking on her feet. *_***YOU GO, GIRL!!***_*

I never typically cry over true crime. Even some of the most gruesome, but this has me in shambles! She was and still is so incredibly brave. I can just imagine Katie smiling down on her. The courage is immense.

I have never wanted to give someone a hug more than seeing that little girl give her testimony. She deserves the world❤

This literally made me cry. Rest in peace, Katie. Krystal, never give up. You found good happiness. We are proud ❤

That was so sweet that she got the ring. She's so strong and brave.

Such an amazing young girl/woman. Why would she need to relive that trauma when he gave a credible confession? That’s so cruel.

These stories always make me emotional but this one had me bawling. I'm so happy they brought those girls together, I'm sure it helped them both in different ways.

I just wanna tell unseen thank you for telling these survivors stories with so much respect and care it feels rare in this genre and it’s a breath of fresh air

Katie would be proud of you Krystal, you not only made sure to get the details of the man who did this but you were the one to bring justice to so many other cases that he did. You not only got justice for Katie but justice for the other victims of people who he has killed.

The fact that she kept still after getting cut in her throat. What a strong little girl! This is so sad. My condolences to her best friends family, and all the other victims 😔

What a disgusting monster. I'm lost for words at what kind of monster would do such a thing. Just heart wrenching to hear the poor girl in court.

Wow what an incredible story, I started crying when I saw what she wrote on paper. It was important to hear this case focused on the victim as too often everything is always focused on the killer.

I watch alot of true crime but this had me in tears. This young lady is amazing and the other little girl going through a similar experience and being there for her...just wow.

true crime rarely gets to me but i was fighting back tears all throughout katie's testimony. what a strong ass little girl, she truly deserves the best

The bravest girl. This really made me so sad for her. I could just feel how scared she was. Crying my eyes out. So brave of her. God bless her. So sorry for the other victims.

I'm so proud of this little lady and I know her friend would be proud of her, putting the murderer that took her life away. You are a strong individual with courage to get up their and face the monster and speak on behalf of your Bestfriend. Your actions speak volume I'm happy you survived that tragedy and I pray for healing peacefulness and greatness upon you for the rest of your life.

Poor Krystal it must have been awful for her, also her friend dying in her arms. You were very brave Krystal. Big hugs from Scotland in the UK ❤

What a little hero. I know her friend is so proud of her, smiling in heaven.

This was a horrific case. Ret. Forensic Psych and Criminal Justice. Thank you for covering it! 🙏💜✌

I hate that TV makes it seem like telling your own story is the worst part. When it’s really having your story questioned & torn apart by the defense

I can’t believe this story, I’m so proud of crystal she may never fill the gap of losing her friend but she was so brave, and so smart to survive that. 💗

“My neck needs help. Will I live?” Ugh! Made me cry 😢

I cant imagine the pain of watching her best friend die while living a horrible nightmare. Rest in Peace, Katie .

She’s so strong and selfless, she deserves the world. Literally in tears rn ❤

ive watched a lot of true crime stories, but this one is the only one that made me cry. she is so brave for thinking about her best friend first before herself. i hope she has a good life. i literally got so happy that he got the death penalty i was like “YES”

Prayers to everyone who was impacted by this sad turn of events. I was so moved of how strong this young girl was, not for herself but for best friends memory. This story made me very emotional, I was crying right alongside everyone.

Awe that was amazin that the other teen gave her that ring and gave her all the advice! Such an incredible story!

What an amazing young lady, my mind is blown at the horror she had to deal with…Sending prayers to all the victims…

Omg. I'm in tears. The moment she got that ring, I lost it. Thank God for both of these ladies. Had Kristie not been attacked, and crystal never met her, this man may have been free. She showed crystal the strength she had inside, and brought it to the surface. This was not a coincidence, but an act of God.

Even in Kates last moments, with her throat slit might I add, she rubbed Kate’s back, reassuring her during her final moments that she was there and that she didn’t have to worry. I know for a fact that Kate’s final moments were the best they could’ve been in that situation

I love how focused on the victims experience this is, really well done

This made me cry I’m so proud of this girl she went through everything and stayed strong she never let anyone take her down 🥺

Hearing the “will I live” and reading it is what really broke my heart. The fact she had to hold her friend in her arms as she died… a little girl. I can’t…. I can’t fathom there being a monster like this living among us. Multiple monsters like this…

I am so proud of her that she stood up there in all the pain and heartache. I mean she watched her friends die. No one should go through that.

I can't believe what an amazing young woman this is. Her strength, what she went through.... Bleeding out clutching her neck but just wanted her friend to get help. This is an amazing soul.

That's a hella brave woman ❣️

What a disgusting excuse for a human being! God bless those poor girls! Krystal is such a brave young girl 👏❤️

My dad told me about her story a few days ago and when he told me I wanted to cry because of how frightening it sounded but I admire you because you are living proof that we can fight and to never give up so for that I thank you

I imagine he has psychopathy so he has no emotions regarding what he did. That is probably why he is so willing to give all the details of this cases and others. He knows what he did was wrong but he lacks remorse and empathy.

I have seen and heard tons of true crime stories and this one hit me hard. It made me cry listening to that brave little girl. I lost it when they called her name to graduate. What a brave brave young lady.

What a Brave Young Lady! Krystal you’re an inspiration, bless you and your family. May your friend Katie RIP ❤️

My first time crying while watching a case documentary. She's so brave and I hope that won't happen to anyone again cause no one deserves to witness, feel, get hurt and get traumatized like that.

The strength & bravery portrayed is absolutely beautiful. Not everyone has this strong fight in them however she was/is a fighter & most definitely a survivor & hero ❤

Man I cried through this whole thing. She is so strong and brave. 💙

Nobody chooses to be a hero. Krystal Surles is a hero. Amazing person. May her beloved best friend Katie rest in peace.

What a special little girl to be able to face that terrifying killer and bring him down. Thank you so much for the girl who sent the ring to give Krystal strength. It is so sad that Krystal's friend died. But, Krystal lives everyday not letting her be forgotten. And for her to know in heaven she is loved and remembered.

She’s so brave❤️it’s so sad what happened:(

My respect for Krystal for her strenght and courage.