A desperate handwritten sign became a beacon of hope for a kidnapped girl, leading to her dramatic rescue. The story unfolds with unexpected twists.

Crime North Texas man sentenced in kidnapping where 13-year-old girl used 'help me' sign to escape During the journey from Texas to California, Sablan repeatedly sexually assaulted the victim.

A Texas man will spend decades behind bars for kidnapping and repeatedly raping a 13-year-old girl who was only saved when good Samaritans saw her holding a “Help Me” sign in the back of a car ...

Crime Texas man sentenced in kidnapping where 13-year-old girl used 'help me' sign to escape During the journey from Texas to California, Sablan repeatedly sexually assaulted the victim.

In this undated photo released by the U.S Department of Justice is a "Help Me!" sign used by a 13-year-old girl kidnapped in Texas.

The DOJ said the 13-year-old was able to make a "Help me" sign on a crumpled piece of paper after she was driven from Texas to California -- and it ended up saving her life.

Concerned motorists called California police after spotting a juvenile holding a troubling sign up to the backseat window — but it was all a joke.

Steven Robert Sablan was sentenced to 35 years after kidnapping and assaulting a 13-year-old girl, who was rescued in California.