Imagine living every day with a secret so deep, it shapes your entire life—so well-hidden that even your spouse and child have no clue who you really are. This is the story of Lori Erica Ruff, a woman who built her life on a lie and took her secrets to the grave. Years after her tragic death, a mystery unraveled—one that would reveal Lori wasn't who she claimed to be. In this episode, we dive deep into the decades-long deception and the shocking truth that lay hidden in plain sight.
This episode contains discussions of suicide.
Opening and closing music “Under Your Thumb” by Nom Fabrique - listen to Nom on Spotify!
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SOURCES
The Woman In The Strongbox, an Amazon Original Story, by Maureen O’ Hagan - available free with your Amazon Prime account
‘My God, that’s Kimberly!’: Scientist solves perplexing mystery of identity thief Lori Ruff | The Seattle Times by Maureen O’ Hagan 2016
She stole another’s identity, and took her secret to the grave. Who was she? | The Seattle Times by Maureen O’ Hagan 2013
Who is Jane Doe? We still don’t know | The Seattle Times by Maureen O’ Hagan
Mystery woman: After 30 years and a suicide, Lori Ruff's real identity emerges
Hello Kimberly, Goodbye Kimberly — Cipher by Catherine Snow
lori ruff, little girl lost - by Rachel (Sunstab post)
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