What began as a fresh start after divorce quickly turned into a terrifying nightmare for one Florida woman whose relationship with a new boyfriend ended in violence, stalking, and a week-long kidnapping across multiple states.
Karen Kummerer’s survival story is now being shared with a wider audience through Netflix’s true crime series Worst Ex Ever, revealing the horrifying abuse she endured and the bravery that ultimately helped save her life.
Karen Kummerer’s New Relationship Turned Into a Nightmare
In early 2006, Karen Kummerer had recently gone through a divorce and was slowly stepping back into dating.
During a night out at a local bar, she met Joseph Scott Freeman.
At first, the relationship appeared exciting and romantic.
According to Kummerer, Freeman quickly showered her with gifts, attention, and affection. Their romance moved fast, and before long, Freeman had effectively moved into her home.
But what seemed like a fresh romantic beginning soon took a dangerous turn.
Abuse Allegedly Began After Freeman Moved In
According to Kummerer, Freeman’s behavior changed dramatically once he became established in her home.
Family members reportedly noticed major changes in Karen’s behavior and personality.
Kummerer later described a pattern of abuse that included:
- Verbal intimidation
- Emotional manipulation
- Physical violence
- Isolation from family members
She claimed Freeman would hold her down and scream at her for hours during violent arguments.
The relationship lasted roughly eight months before Karen finally decided to end it.
Breakup Led to Stalking and Harassment
Ending the relationship did not end the danger.
According to court records, Freeman allegedly began obsessively harassing Kummerer after the breakup.
Investigators say he left dozens of voicemails in a single day and repeatedly tried to contact her.
Then things became even more frightening.
One morning while driving to work, Kummerer stopped at an intersection—unaware Freeman had been hiding nearby.
Police say Freeman allegedly used a key fob to unlock her vehicle, climbed into the passenger seat armed with a knife, and forced her to drive.
Karen later managed to calm him down by pretending she would reconcile with him.
After escaping, she immediately contacted police and obtained an emergency restraining order.
Freeman Hid Inside Her Car Trunk
After the first terrifying encounter, Karen took extra safety measures.
She changed her phone number and had her vehicle locks changed.
However, one part of the vehicle was reportedly overlooked—the trunk.
Just two weeks after filing the restraining order, Karen was driving to work when her trunk warning light suddenly turned on.
When she pulled over to check it, prosecutors say Freeman jumped out of the trunk dressed in black and holding a knife.
Authorities say he forced her into another vehicle and began what would become a week-long kidnapping.
Victim Secretly Sent Messages for Help
As Freeman drove across multiple states, Karen knew she had to find a way to alert someone.
During the ordeal, she managed to secretly communicate with her niece using a coded message, alerting her family that she was in danger.
Her niece immediately contacted police.
Karen also showed incredible courage by leaving handwritten notes in:
- Gas station bathrooms
- Restaurant restrooms
- Public stops along their route
The notes reportedly said she had been abducted and needed help.
Eventually, one of the notes was discovered by a restaurant employee, who contacted authorities.
FBI Joined Multi-State Search
With local police, state agencies, and the FBI involved, investigators began tracking Freeman’s movements.
Authorities eventually traced an ATM withdrawal connected to the suspect.
Soon after, FBI agents located Freeman’s jeep traveling on a highway in Mississippi.
Law enforcement officers safely stopped the vehicle and rescued Karen after nearly a week in captivity.
Disturbing Evidence Found Inside Vehicle
After Freeman’s arrest, investigators searched his vehicle and reportedly found:
- A knife
- Rope
- Blankets
- Drug paraphernalia
The discovery raised even more concerns about what Freeman may have been planning.
Joseph Scott Freeman Sentenced to Life in Prison
Following the kidnapping, Freeman faced multiple serious criminal charges, including:
- Kidnapping with a weapon
- Aggravated stalking
- Violation of a domestic violence injunction
- Violation of probation
In 2007, a jury found him guilty on all charges.
He was sentenced to life in prison.
Karen Kummerer’s Story Inspires Survivors
Today, Karen Kummerer’s story continues inspiring survivors of domestic violence and stalking.
By sharing her experience publicly, she has helped raise awareness about the warning signs of abusive relationships and the importance of trusting your instincts when something feels wrong.
