A Decade Later, Ellie Wilkins Reclaims Her Story and Looks to the Future
Ten years ago, Ellie Wilkins’ name became synonymous with one of the most harrowing crimes in recent American history. In 2015, Wilkins—then seven months pregnant—was lured to a Colorado home by Dynel Lane, who posed as a seller of maternity clothes on Craigslist. What followed was a brutal attack that left Wilkins fighting for her life and mourning the loss of her unborn daughter, Aurora. Now, a decade on, Wilkins is speaking out about her journey from trauma to hope, revealing new details about her recovery and her plans for the future.
The Attack That Shocked the Nation
Wilkins’ ordeal began when she responded to Lane’s online ad. Upon arriving at Lane’s home, Wilkins was ambushed, choked unconscious, and subjected to a crude, violent caesarean with kitchen knives. Lane’s intent was to steal Wilkins’ baby and pass the child off as her own—a deception she had been preparing for months, even faking ultrasounds to convince her boyfriend and family.
When Wilkins regained consciousness, she was alone, gravely injured, and faced a life-or-death decision. “I could actually feel my intestines through my pants. And that’s when I had the thought, ‘Lay here and die, or stand up and live,’” Wilkins told
People magazine. Driven by the desperate hope of saving her daughter, she managed to call 911 and was rushed to the hospital, having lost nearly half her blood.
Tragically, Aurora did not survive. Lane, meanwhile, was quickly exposed after bringing the baby to the hospital and claiming a miscarriage. She was arrested and, in 2016, sentenced to 100 years in prison for attempted murder, assault, and unlawful termination of a pregnancy.
Rebuilding a Life: Trauma, Healing, and New Beginnings
The years since the attack have been marked by both pain and resilience for Wilkins. She spent days in intensive care and months in recovery, both physically and emotionally. The trauma led to the end of her relationship with her then-boyfriend, Dan Ascik, but Wilkins has since found love again and is contemplating parenthood with her new partner.
Wilkins credits the outpouring of support from strangers and her own determination for helping her move forward. “I do not hate Dynel, but I am angry for all the pain she has caused… It felt like Dynel was an anomaly, and that the thousands of people who reached out to me were the litmus test for: Are people good?” she reflected in a recent interview.
Now 37, Wilkins is traveling the world, building a new life, and working on a memoir to share her story of survival and hope. She has become a symbol of resilience, using her platform to advocate for victims of violence and to highlight the importance of community support in the aftermath of trauma.
What’s Next for Ellie Wilkins?
Wilkins’ journey is far from over. She continues to process her experience, but her focus is firmly on the future. With a new partner by her side and the prospect of starting a family, Wilkins is determined not to let her past define her. Her forthcoming memoir promises to shed further light on her ordeal and the lessons she’s learned about healing, forgiveness, and the enduring strength of the human spirit.
Takeaways and Implications
-
Wilkins’ story is a powerful reminder of the dangers of online interactions and the importance of vigilance.
-
Her resilience and advocacy offer hope to other survivors of violent crime.
-
The case continues to spark conversations about legal protections for pregnant women and the complexities of prosecuting fetal abduction.
As Wilkins reclaims her narrative, her voice stands as a testament to survival, courage, and the possibility of new beginnings—even after unimaginable loss.
Sources
1. Where is Dynel Lane now? Ellie Wilkins victim of fetal abduction ...
2. Page 492 – Cherwell
3. Ellie Wilkins: Expectant mum who had foetus cut from her body in ...
4. [PDF] Petition submitted for Fort Calhoun gun range special election
5. After Mom-to-Be's Fetus Was Killed, She Faced Attacker in ...
6. [PDF] The Collegian: September 07, 2016 - Open PRAIRIE
7. [PDF] 'There's a lot of memories up there'
8. Cohousing Assn of the US: Test DT
9. [PDF] Freshers' Guide 2020-21 - New College - University of Oxford
