One of the cases this episode is based upon (possibly moreso than either the Hinkley/Regan or John Lennon cases) is the attempted murder of actress Theresa Saldana. Saldana was stabbed 26 times following by a "lunatic, religious fanatic". She recovered and went on to found the organization Victims for Victims and help others who have also undergone traumatic experiences. She also played herself in the film, Victims for Victimes: The Theresa Saldana Story.

Case information courtesy of Internet Movie Database