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)