A Cry for Help: The Tracey Thurman Story

Tracey Thurman meets Buck while working at a Florida hotel; at first he seems charming, but his temper soon appears. He even explains that his mother abused him as a child, hinting at the underlying violence. The relationship forms amid his growing volatility.

Tracey learns she is pregnant with Buck's child. Buck punches her in the face and kicks her in the stomach, signaling the danger of staying with him. The episode intensifies the decision to leave or stay with him.

Tracey returns to Torrington, Connecticut, staying with friends Judy and Rick. Buck tracks her down, apologizes, and asks to marry her, promising to settle down. He claims he will change, but the pattern of abuse remains a danger.

Tracey marries Buck after he swears he will never hit her again. The couple soon has a son, C.J., expanding the family. The marriage, however, does not heal the underlying violence.

Buck cannot find work and the couple returns to Florida, where Buck gambles away their money. He continues to physically abuse Tracey, even in front of C.J., eroding any sense of safety.

Tracey decides to leave Buck and returns to Torrington to escape the abuse. Buck follows, showing up at her home and pressing for reconciliation.

Buck moves into Tracey’s life again, claiming to have found a job at a diner in Torrington. Tracey refuses to reunite and makes it clear she wants a separation.

Tracey and Buck divorce progresses; Buck takes C.J. and runs outside. Tracey calls the police, Buck is found at work and taken into custody, and Tracey is awarded custody of C.J. with Buck restricted for the time being.

Buck continues to harass and threaten Tracey; she repeats police requests for help, but officers refuse to intervene since they have not witnessed threats or violence.

Buck returns, threatens to break in, and Tracey hides inside the house. When police finally arrive, Buck pulls a knife and stabs Tracey repeatedly, cutting her face and throat. He grabs C.J. and leaves Tracey dying on the floor while officers stand by.

Tracey is rushed to the hospital with debilitating injuries and begins a long recovery. Buck is arrested after the attack, and Tracey’s family and lawyer begin discussing legal action.

In the hospital, Tracey’s lawyer Burton Weinstein and her sister discuss filing a civil suit against the Torrington police for failing to protect her. The pursuit continues as Tracey works to walk again and rebuild her life.

Buck is sentenced to 20 years in prison with the possibility of parole in 1991. The sentence reflects the severity of the attack and the ongoing danger to Tracey.

Tracey remains wary of parole but remains focused on rebuilding her life; the civil suit outcome helps secure her safety and a sense of justice.

In real life, Tracey remarried Michael Motuzick and Michael later adopts C.J., giving the family a chance to build a new life.