On a frigid winter morning in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, January 7, 1994, 12-year-old Rebecca “Becky” Savarese found herself walking to school, the crunch of snow beneath her boots echoing the routine of countless other schooldays. However, this cold day would soon take a horrifying turn that would mark her life forever and alter the course of a police investigation that spanned years.
- Rebecca Savarese's bravery saved her life.
- Lewis Lent attempted to abduct Rebecca.
- Lent later confessed to multiple murders.
- Importance of educating children on safety.
- Annual "Ride for Missing Children" event.
- National Center for Missing and Exploited Children resources.
At around 7:10 a.m., Becky was approached at one of the town’s busiest intersections by a stranger—a man she would later describe as having a scruffy mustache and an unkempt appearance. “He seemed like a nerd to me,” she recalled. But any thoughts about his demeanor quickly vanished when he brandished a gun, threatening her with the chilling directive: “Just do everything I say, everything will be perfectly OK.” Despite the overwhelming fear, Becky stood her ground, refusing to get into his truck. “I didn’t care if he shot me. I just knew I was not going to get into that truck,” she told reporters years later.
In that moment of dire danger, Becky applied quick thinking that likely saved her life. She feigned an asthma attack, pleading to sit down to catch her breath. This ruse gave her a precious moment. As the gunman distractedly reached for her backpack, she seized the opportunity and bolted away. “He tried to grab me, but I just started to run,” she said. Her escape led her to a man shoveling snow nearby, who promptly called the police as another witness provided crucial details about the truck’s license plate.
Authorities soon tracked the vehicle to 43-year-old Lewis Lent, a handyman with a menacing past, notably a former janitor at a local movie theater. At first, he denied involvement in the attempted abduction of Becky, but under pressure, he ultimately confessed. In his truck, police found disturbing evidence: not only Becky’s backpack but also a gun and items described as a “snatch kit,” including duct tape and rope. This horrific discovery hinted that Lent’s intentions extended far beyond a single crime.
As investigators probed deeper, they began to suspect that Lent could be tied to other disappearances, especially that of 12-year-old Sara Anne Wood, who had vanished just five months before Becky’s frightening encounter. Last seen on her bicycle after attending church in Sauquoit, New York—a mere 100 miles away—Sara became a focal point in the investigation surrounding Lent.
When authorities confronted Lent about Sara’s case, his chilling confession revealed a series of horrific events. He admitted to abducting, sexually assaulting, and murdering her, as well as the tragic fate of Jimmy Bernardo, another child from Pittsfield. Amidst the anguish and rage, the search for Sara became a haunting game of cat-and-mouse, with denying narratives and deliberate misdirection from Lent about the location of her body.
New York State Police Detective Frank Lawrence recognized Becky’s crucial role in bringing Lent to justice, declaring, “She’s the key, she’s the linchpin. She got away; that’s what put us on to Lewis Lent.” As investigators pieced together Lent’s horrifying predilections—his statements about driving for miles in search of vulnerable children—the gravity of the situation began to emerge.
In 1995, following Becky’s bravery and the tireless work of law enforcement, Lent was convicted on charges related to the attempted kidnapping of Becky, receiving a sentence of 17 to 20 years. However, his confessions directly related to the abductions and murders of Sara Wood and Jimmy Bernardo led to life sentences awaiting him in prison—a bittersweet closure for the families affected.
Today, Dusty Wood, Sara’s brother, actively engages in initiatives aimed at raising awareness about child safety, reflecting on the impact of Becky’s actions. His participation in the “Ride for Missing Children,” a bike ride honoring Sara, symbolizes strife and hope, as they educate communities on the importance of child safety education—a legacy born from tragedy but destined for positive change.
As for Becky, she stands as a beacon of courage and resourcefulness, embodying the strength of spirit that can emerge even in the bleakest moments. Her quick thinking not only saved her life but also potentially saved countless others by shining a light on a predator in their midst.
The darkness lent by Lewis Lent’s actions remains a grim reminder, prompting ongoing conversations about child safety and the essential education that can equip young ones in a world where the unthinkable can happen. As communities strive to safeguard their children, the emphasis remains on learning and resilience, underscoring the power of one voice against the chilling silence of fear.
