Key Details
In the summer of 1989, Karen Palmer, accompanied by her new husband Vinnie and her two young daughters, Erin and Amy, departed from Los Angeles. The primary motivation for their departure was to evade Palmer's ex-husband, Gil, who was the father of her daughters. The family subsequently established new identities and relocated to Boulder, Colorado.
Background
Palmer and Gil were married for 14 years. Palmer reported experiencing domestic abuse, coercive control, and gaslighting during this period. She indicated that Gil exhibited controlling behaviors, including verbal abuse and social isolation. Notable incidents included Gil pointing a loaded gun at Palmer's pregnant belly and locking her in a broom cupboard. Palmer noted that terminology for such abuses was not commonly understood 35 years prior.
Events Leading to Flight
Following Palmer's divorce filing, Gil's actions escalated due to alcohol and substance abuse. For two years, he reportedly stalked Palmer and Vinnie, issuing death threats, vandalizing property, and making frequent phone calls. Law enforcement and legal counsel offered limited intervention.
A kidnapping incident served as a catalyst for their flight. During a child handover, Gil took three-year-old Amy, disguised her appearance, and vanished for 10 days. A warrant for Gil's arrest was issued, and Palmer was granted emergency custody. Gil eventually agreed to return Amy on the condition that Palmer end her relationship with Vinnie. Palmer consented, and Amy was returned. The following day, Palmer, Vinnie, Amy, and Erin fled.
Palmer possessed a recording of a phone call with Gil during Amy's kidnapping. In the recording, Gil made threats, indicated Amy had forgotten her mother, and expressed intent to commit violence if his demands were not met. Palmer later stated that listening to this recording confirmed the necessity of her actions.
Escape and New Life
The family's ability to create new identities in 1989 was facilitated by the absence of widespread internet and inter-state record cross-referencing. They adopted new surnames, and Palmer and Vinnie obtained new driving licenses. Erin, who was seven at the time, reportedly never revealed their past.
Gil passed away in 2008, a fact Palmer learned years later. His later life included arrests for firearms offenses, substance abuse, assault, and resisting arrest, concluding with him living in a city park. Palmer expressed that she no longer feels anger towards him but rather pity for his life choices.
Aftermath and Legacy
Following Gil's death, Palmer and Vinnie legally affirmed their true identities. They currently reside in Los Angeles. Vinnie formally adopted Erin and Amy at their request when they were 20 and 25 years old. Palmer's memoir, 'She's Under Here,' documents her experiences. She noted that other women facing similar situations have expressed a desire for comparable escape options.