On January 7, 1994, the day began like any other winter morning for 12-year-old Rebecca “Becky” Savarese in Pittsfield, Massachusetts. As she made her way to school through the snowy streets, a man with a mustache, whom she described as looking like a “nerd,” approached her at a busy intersection. Suddenly, he brandished a gun and threatened her, demanding that she follow him to his truck. However, Becky refused to comply, willing to risk being shot rather than getting into the vehicle with him.
In a quick-thinking move that likely saved her life, Becky pretended to have an asthma attack, asking the man if she could sit down. As she fumbled with her backpack, the man tried to grab her, but she managed to break free and run away. The man then fled in his truck, while Becky sought help from a passerby who called the police. Another witness provided a partial license plate number of the man’s truck, leading authorities to Lewis Lent, a 43-year-old handyman and former janitor.
Upon searching Lent’s truck, the police discovered incriminating evidence, including Becky’s backpack, a gun, and what Lent referred to as his “snatch kit” containing duct tape and rope. Lent initially denied involvement but later confessed to attempting to abduct Becky. This revelation raised suspicions about Lent potentially being connected to other missing children cases.
After intense questioning, Lent eventually confessed to the abduction, assault, and murder of Sara Anne Wood, a 12-year-old girl who had disappeared months earlier. He also admitted to kidnapping and killing another young boy, Jimmy Bernardo. While Jimmy’s body was found by hunters in a remote location, Sara’s whereabouts remained unknown, as Lent provided misleading information about her burial site.
The tireless efforts of authorities, fueled by Becky’s bravery and quick actions, played a crucial role in unraveling Sara’s case. Detective Frank Lawrence praised Becky as the linchpin in the investigation, underscoring her escape as the pivotal moment that led to Lent’s capture.
The search for Sara and the gripping pursuit to uncover the truth behind her disappearance is detailed in “The Unending Search for Sara Anne Wood,” available for streaming on Paramount+.
Convicted serial killer Lewis Lent would go out in search of vulnerable children, but Becky Savarese’s courage and quick thinking thwarted his plans. In 1995, Lent was convicted for attempting to kidnap Becky and was given a 17 to 20-year prison sentence. Subsequently, he was sentenced to life in prison for the murder of Jimmy Bernardo in 1996, and later pleaded guilty to killing Sara Wood. In 1997, Lent was given a 25-year to life sentence for Sara’s murder, ensuring that he will spend the rest of his life behind bars. Dusty Wood, Sara’s brother, believes Lent will never harm anyone else.
Herkimer County District Attorney Jeffrey Carpenter reflects on how Becky’s escape prevented further tragedies, stating that she not only saved herself but potentially many other children from falling victim to Lent’s escalating violence. Carpenter praises Becky for her quick thinking and for putting an end to Lent’s reign of terror.
Becky’s mother, Chris, had previously educated her daughter on how to defend herself in case of an abduction, emphasizing the importance of fighting back. Dusty Wood underscores the importance of educating youth on abduction prevention, citing Becky’s actions as an example of effective prevention measures.
Every year, Dusty Wood and his family take part in the “Ride for Missing Children,” a 78-mile bike ride dedicated to Sara’s memory. This event raises awareness about child safety and missing children, with participants visiting schools along the route to educate children on staying safe. Dusty aims to honor Sara’s memory by advocating for child safety and preventing future tragedies like hers.
For more information on educating children about abduction prevention, visit the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children website at missingkids.org.
