Crime scene photos: Tommy Lynn Sells

Krystal Surles, 10, recovers at University Hospital San Antonio, Texas, in January 2000, after her throat was slashed by an intruder on Dec. 31, 1999.

Krystal's friend, Kaylene "Katy" Harris, was a beautiful 13-year-old who fought for her life after being attacked in her home on Dec. 31, 1999. Unlike Krystal, she did not survive.

Before the attack, Krystal Surles was just a typical, innocent 10-year-old. Soon after this photo was taken, her life would change forever.

Police were able to find the knife that was used to kill Katy Harris and injure Krystal Surles in a field near the crime scene shortly after the attacks. The 11-inch butcher knife can be seen in the center of the photo.

A crime scene photo shows the top bunk where Krystal Surles was attacked.

A crime scene photo shows the blood-soaked bedding on the bottom bunk where Katy had been sleeping.

Texas Ranger Johnny Allen at the Harris home. He described the crime scene as the worst he had ever seen.

After her throat was cut, Krystal Surles was only able to communicate with neighbors by writing on a pad of paper. Here she wrote: "The Harris's are hurt... Please hurry."

A close-up view of the notepad in which Krystal Surles wrote, "Please hurry." The 10-year-old ran to a neighbor's home, because she feared everyone in the Harris home, where she was staying, was killed.

This is another sheet of the notepad in which Krystal Surles wrote, "My neck needs help."

In another note Krystal wrote, "Will I live?"

Krystal Surles was able to work with a forensic artist to create this drawing of the man who attacked her and killed Katy Harris. Authorities were hopeful it would help them identify the killer.

During Krystal's recovery, her mom, Pam, helped her through it all.

Twenty-four hours after Krystal Surles worked with the forensic artist, authorities were able to identify and find their suspect: Tommy Lynn Sells. Investigators soon learned he has killed many times before.

Weeks after the incident, Krystal, center, was reunited with her younger sisters, Marque, left, and Amber. They all become closer than ever.

Ten years after the incident, Krystal remains close with her younger sisters, Marque, left, and Amber. Here they pose for a photo in summer 2009. They say Krystal has been like a second mom to them.

Krystal Surles is now 20 years old. She lives in Idaho with her father, Mark, right, and is saving to go to college. "I am lucky and just happy to be here," she says.