In a chilling turn of events, two young backpackers, Lena and Beatrice, found themselves in a life-or-death struggle during their journey across Australia. What began as an adventurous road trip quickly spiraled into a nightmare when they accepted a ride from 59-year-old Roman Hines, a man with a disturbing criminal history.

On February 9, 2016, after a seemingly normal start to their trip, Hines led the girls to a remote area in Salt Creek, far from any safety or supervision. Under the pretense of tracking kangaroo footprints, he lured Beatrice away from the campsite, where he assaulted her. Hearing her desperate screams, Lena rushed to help, but Hines brutally attacked her as well, striking her repeatedly with a hammer.

In a terrifying chase, Lena managed to escape and flag down a group of fishermen, who quickly called the police. Meanwhile, Hines attempted to flee but was caught shortly thereafter. Both girls were transported to the hospital, where Lena underwent emergency treatment for severe injuries, having lost a significant amount of blood.

The police investigation revealed Hines’ violent past, including previous assaults on women, yet he had been allowed to roam free. His actions that night were not only horrific but also indicative of a pattern of predatory behavior that had gone unchecked.

As authorities prepare to charge Hines with multiple counts, including aggravated assault and kidnapping, the community grapples with the grim reality of how close these young women came to losing their lives. The bravery of Lena and Beatrice, and the quick response of the fishermen, undoubtedly saved them, but questions linger about how many more lives might be endangered by individuals like Hines. The case has sparked outrage and calls for stricter measures to protect vulnerable individuals traveling in Australia.