Lisa Rinna’s Mother Survived a Vicious Attack by the ‘Trailside Killer’

In her latest memoir, “You Better Believe I’m Gonna Talk About It.” The former “Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” cast member shares the harrowing story of how her mother was attacked by David Carpenter, a notorious serial killer who stalked California’s hiking trails in the 1970s and 80s.

Candice DeLong, an ex-FBI agent and host of “Killer Psyche,” noted that Carpenter was infamous for his rapid, brutal assaults, often called “blitz attacks.” Unlike other serial killers who might attempt to lure their victims, Carpenter’s method was terrifyingly direct.

DeLong, who is familiar with the trails where Carpenter operated, recalled, “I could never have imagined that such a monster could strike in such a beautiful place.” It’s puzzling, in her view, why Carpenter doesn’t have the same notoriety as others like Ted Bundy—she speculates that his crimes were somewhat overshadowed by Bundy’s famous rampage.

Rinna detailed how her mother became one of Carpenter’s victims in 1960. He forced her into a secluded area, brutally attacking her with a hammer and a knife. Miraculously, military police intervened just in time, leading to Carpenter being shot during his attempt to flee.

Rinna shared a chilling detail: “Half of her head was torn off.” It’s remarkable that, after surviving such a traumatic event, her mother tried to gather her belongings before collapsing in shock. She spent three months in the hospital due to the extensive injuries.

Despite all this, Carpenter only served seven years for attacking Rinna’s mother before moving on to murder at least seven more people after his release. Interestingly, investigators had initially suspected him to be the Zodiac Killer, but that theory has now been debunked.

DeLong recounted a time when one of her colleagues encountered Carpenter during surveillance. “He was otherwise quite composed, which makes you wonder what went through his mind then,” she said, remarking on the calmness that seemed to replace his previously known stutter when speaking to women.

Rinna only learned the truth about her mother’s past when she turned 18; Lois had portrayed the incident in much less severe terms over the years. Reflecting on this, Rinna expressed her frustration that her mother hadn’t confided sooner about such an essential part of their lives. She drew parallels to her own experiences on reality TV, advising co-stars to be open with their children about past traumas.

In her memoir, Rinna critiques the justice system of the past, explaining that Carpenter’s sentence for his assault on her mother was merely a consequence of the era’s leniency towards violent criminals. Today, she believes awareness around crime has shifted significantly, strengthening the voices of victims and survivors.

Rinna’s mother, Lois, who passed away in 2021, survived what is believed to be one of Carpenter’s first adult assaults. Now in his 90s, Carpenter had spent decades on death row but has since been moved to a medical facility.

Reflecting on her mother’s resilience, Rinna acknowledged how the trauma influenced her own relationship with trust and safety. Yet Lois maintained a surprising sense of humor about her experience, a trait Rinna admires. The memoir paints a layered portrait of survival, strength, and complexity, shedding light on the unspoken struggles faced by many.

“My mother chose to face every day with courage,” Rinna says, underscoring a legacy entwined with strength amid tragedy. It’s a reminder of the quiet battles that can shape a family, often without the public eye ever noticing.