Eva LaRue, renowned for her roles in “CSI: Miami” and “All My Children,” bravely opens up about a harrowing chapter in her life marked by years of stalking. From 2007 to 2019, the beloved actress endured a prolonged nightmare at the hands of an anonymous stalker, dubbed “Freddie Krueger” after the notorious horror franchise character, who sent her and her daughter a barrage of threatening letters. This traumatic experience is the focal point of the recently released docuseries, “My Nightmare Stalker: The Eva LaRue Story,” which premiered on Paramount+ on November 13.
The stalker, identified as James David Rogers, sent LaRue a total of 37 disturbing letters over the years. The correspondence included grotesque threats against LaRue and her then-young daughter, Kaya. Initially dismissing it as a joke, LaRue quickly realized the severity of the threat they faced, leading her to install security cameras and relocate multiple times. Although she shielded her daughter from the full extent of the situation for years, Kaya later reflected on the experience, feeling a mix of disbelief and horror at her mother’s concealed fears.
Rogers, a nurse’s assistant from Ohio, escalated his harassment by contacting Kaya’s school, impersonating her father and leaving ominous messages. His downfall came in 2019 when the FBI utilized DNA evidence from mailing envelopes, ultimately matching it to a straw he discarded after a visit to a fast-food restaurant.
In November 2019, Rogers was arrested, and in September 2022, he pled guilty to multiple counts of stalking and threatening communications. At his sentencing, he expressed remorse for his actions, while LaRue remarked, “I forgive you, but I cannot forget,” highlighting the enduring impact of his threats.
Following this tumultuous period, LaRue has returned to her acting roots, reappearing in daytime television with roles in “The Young and the Restless,” where she won a Daytime Emmy in 2020, and “General Hospital,” which she joined in 2024. Her decision to produce the docuseries stemmed from her desire to raise awareness for stalking victims and advocate for more robust protections against harassment. LaRue acknowledges that the trauma of her experience has instilled a lasting vigilance within her, suggesting that complete tranquility may forever remain elusive.
Her inspiring narrative serves as a beacon of resilience, demonstrating how one can reclaim their voice and spotlight critical societal issues even after enduring significant personal struggles. As LaRue continues her career, she remains dedicated to using her platform to foster awareness and support for those affected by stalking.