In 2001, the kidnapping of 17-year-old Anne Sluti from a mall in Kearney, Nebraska made national headlines.
She was forced into a Suburban by Anthony Steven Wright, better known as Tony Zappa, who then repeatedly r*ped her and bound her with chains and duct tape.
Sluti left clues, including notes, and even managed to contact her mother and call 911. Six days after the kidnapping, Zappa surrendered and Sluti was returned home safely.
The Sluti family appeared on national news programs, including Good Morning America, and the story was later made into a TV movie.
However, the family has put the traumatic event behind them and focused on the present. Anne, now 25 years old, graduated from the Rose Hulman Institute of Technology and worked as an engineer in Indiana.
Despite the trauma she suffered, Anne’s parents say her abduction had no impact on the woman she has become. She is described as factual, concerned about others, and not wimpy. Her logic and strength during the kidnapping ultimately saved her life.
She thought of ways to keep the kidnapper from getting frustrated with her and still hoped someone would find her.
The Sluti family has yet to dwell on the past or waste time thinking about Tony Zappa. They don’t think about what happened eight years ago and don’t want revenge.
They commend the police, victim support workers and community members for their assistance during the healing process.
Don and Elaine Sluti have moved on with their lives, and the phrase “time heals all wounds” rings true for them. They are thankful that their daughter made it home safely and are content with the life she has built for herself.
Anne does not want to be identified as a victim and is focused on living her life to the fullest.
