Remembering the Chowchilla Kidnapping | Full Episode

Twenty-six school children were abducted by three men and buried alive in a trailer. Inside their daring escape. "48 Hours" contributor David Begnaud reports. Watch more full episodes of "48 Hours" on Pluto TV.
#48hours #crime #mystery
Crime. Social justice. Impact. "48 Hours" investigates the most intriguing crime and justice cases that touch on all areas of the human experience including greed and passion. "48 Hours," which premiered in 1988, has developed a rich history of original reporting and impact journalism that has helped exonerate wrongly convicted people, caused cold cases to be reopened and solved, and along the way changed lives.
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[@48hours]

Click here to watch more full episodes of "48 Hours": kzbin.info/aero/PLcFHkKbd_jTJiRmfUfLX2Ay_hnf5j3cxH

[@TerryH-vo5tz]

Two 5y🎉😂5

[@makalafaka]

​@@TerryH-vo5tz hà

[@cobyturbin1352]

​@@TerryH-vo5tz w

[@pamelalyles167]

4

[@Sn0wShepherd]

You know my story never made it to the news because no one ever got caught doing the horrible things that happened to me. Nice story went completely untold all my stupid life I've suffered in silence and all alone and even my sister refuses to believe what happened because I protected her through all of it. My mother protected her. I was treated however like a ball of hamburger to distract ravenous pitbulls. I can relate to the Jody woman the most except that I've also learned the power of forgiveness. In all honesty I believe that's why people hate Christianity the most is because Christianity puts the most emphasis on forgiveness and that is in the mines and eyes and hearts of most people an inexcusable atrocity. Forgiveness is essential integral it works and must be employed. Look at the two stories in this the man and the woman at the end he never forgave she never forgave and they suffered and one died very young at only 55 but the one man who did forgive has found, although it still hurts and it's still sorrow, peace; and he won't die from hypertension.

[@benmartinez8443]

I don’t think you should ever get parole if you bury 26 children and a bus driver alive.

[@whatacrazyride1658]

Yeah, when you go so far as burying 26 children alive, that is bad enough, but a bus driver too? That's just too far.

[@H.art22]

I swear

[@oops5015]

exactly

[@Thr33-Quarters]

It's California.

[@jakllenW402]

@@Thr33-Quarterstheres many people like this all over the damn states.

[@Peace_and_Love_777.....]

Imagine being Ed Ray.... the ONLY adult in that situation... knowing the extent of their situation and hearing 26 children cry and shake in fear... Truly unbelievable 😢

[@jam_sam]

Yeah, I am shaking just watching this, knowing how it ended. I can’t even imagine how this man felt there.

[@valennovus1632]

whats sad is they probably kept the bus driver alive to try and keep the children calm … if the bus driver aka the only adult suddenly vanished they would be even more terrified.

[@jocelynkreiser]

@@valennovus1632 that’s a really good point. the entire time i was waiting for the next event to be ed’s death, i was like it’s clear they wanted a number of children, what value does one adult have? didn’t even think of the point you made, but totally agree with you now.

[@carrietherkildsen4966]

Ed Ray passed away in 2012 at the age of 91. He literally is a hero. I don't know this man but I feel so proud of him for his actions. He really made a difference.

[@dezb8510]

Right and you know at first everyone thought it was him

[@rayeanna2093]

Anyone who can premeditate the kidnapping of 26 kids and 1 adult doesn’t deserve to be let out of prison. The facts of this case are absolutely horrific. The children and bus driver are heroes. The fact that they had to go to the parole hearings over and over was a failure of the justice system

[@ItsMe-ic7on]

Victims have to be there if they want to keep those animals in prison

[@lennonbabicz968]

Agreed. People who can do smth like that should be in prison for life, let them rot in jail

[@caropapa]

I agree

[@darleneprice3492]

Just what you'd expect from California. They would of released charles Manson had Sharon tate not been one of the victims.

[@kimitohanahala8674]

This is why scums should be mysteriously missing.

[@enitachipoyi1377]

The crooks planned for more than a year, and never imagined the resilience of the children to work hard and get out in less than 2 days. So proud of these kids

[@rachelgooden9981]

They were so young 😕

[@amyrivers4093]

They were incredibly strong kids in both a physical and an emotional way. I am disgusted that the men who did this got parole because they were harmed emotionally which is just as bad as physical harm.

[@allisonlew4508]

And the amazing bus driver!

[@-..-_]

Let's take a moment of silence and pray for the children out there still missing and didnt make it out 🙏 😔

[@amyrivers4093]

@anonymous talibannn doing this right now, it is so heartbreaking it's the least we can do. X

[@zoramax4610]

It’s crazy seeing them as adults and the childlike mannerisms many of them still display. The shrewdness, the vocabulary… The trauma that this must have inflicted on them is unimaginable. Oh my god.

[@sharonknapp5015]

When one remembers trauma- they become the age of when the trauma happened.

[@etherealE777]

I had this same thought. They say traumatic events can keeps us frozen in time.

[@jeremysmith9694]

They're from a tiny town. Idk you can blame all of that on this incident.

[@ExposingTM]

​@@jeremysmith9694 Look up "arrested development." I hope this helps!

[@ExposingTM]

​@Sharon Knapp 👏👏👏 Seriously you would be surprised how many people don't understand psychology and have no clue of that reality. Thank you for existing. We need more intellects.

[@ElaAngelic]

Michael is an absolute HERO. The determination and bravery of that boy was outstanding. Thank God for him.

[@whelanmmw]

I'm just sitting here bawling thinking about him. I don't even know what to say. He was just amazing.

[@a.walters123]

I swear the only reason that man was finally granted parole was because Jodi was no longer there to advocate for herself and the rest of the kids against him. This is such a tragedy. No one was killed or even seriously wounded, but this still had a lifelong affect on these people. It’s is so important to prevent any kind of trauma at a young age.

[@marivipalomino6975]

Seriously and deeply emotionally wounded.

[@awg7068]

I needed to scroll way too long to get to a post saying this. Damn right. He should never have breathed free air.

[@evamac9941]

The bus they were in got buried in a quarry with all the kids in it and the bus driver, if being buried alive is not like a living death I don't know what is.

[@Ty-1452]

​@@evamac9941 Mr. Ballen told a story of an old couple that got buried alive. It's one of the most heartbreaking things I have ever heard. No words can express how heartbreaking it was !

[@shmokeyyb1867]

My thoughts exactly

[@pamjeffers9402]

I can't believe those poor children had to go before a parole board every time just to keep those evil men in prison. Shame on the law and everyone who did this!!!

[@TheRetroWoman80]

Yep. And so many thought we were progressing in so many ways by this point in the mid 20th century😒🙄

[@VioletJoy]

It's the current protocol. Hopefully something will change.

[@RayNkateW]

Sadly the 3rd and final man was released as well. ;(

[@dondizzy7932]

in this world you just have to understand that they have been playing tricks on mankind for a long time this is only a false flag event

[@rb9889]

THEY SHOULD HAVE DIED IN PRISON, NEVER TO BE RELEASED. THIS IS A FATE WORSE THEN DEATH.

[@Surannhealz]

It’s a disgrace that these guys are allowed out of prison.

[@nataliegibbs5700]

That’s america

[@thesquid6149]

Yea rhey shouldve got a lifetime sentence

[@kizzytorres1038]

Frfr

[@cornell833]

​@@nataliegibbs5700lol so true 🇺🇸 is so corrupt it's unbelievable 🤦‍♂️

[@aprilMichelleXJRL]

I'm not surprised, bc that's how The courts are in America

[@vakkerdame8557]

What an insane mass abduction. How years later they cry telling their story just shows how completely traumatized they were and how it carried with them for decades. Prayers to all involved.

[@LahainaStrong444]

AMEN!!!

[@aidene5513]

Now imagine how it is for kids/people who saw someone die or sustained injuries themselves... Crazy to think that all of them still have to face their tormentors in court (they need way more mental protection)

[@honeybunch5765]

I know. Childhood trauma, even only one incident, has such an impact on your mind and body for life.

[@pumpkinbunch3]

Thank God

[@develyntwocentshenderson5739]

and the richy rich famblee are still coddling their widdle snookums

[@microchip1697]

What many people don't realise is that applying terror is actual physical harm. Trauma is a long lasting assault which eventually manifests itself in various and usually debilitating forms. When will society acknowledge the effects of trauma ?

[@carabiner7999]

Someone on another platform laughed at me when I said that the infant abandoned out in the snow for a couple of days would have deep rooted trauma. (The child was found and those people hope to adopt him). When found, the baby's skin was CRACKING from exposure to the cold. Clearly the person laughing had never heard of the importance of bonding, childhood developmental stages, etc. So, I educated them a tad.

[@RLS11973]

I developed fibromyalgia after multiple traumatic events in my life.

[@daniindie9447]

@@RLS11973 same! And there’s more permanent and debilitating and neurological damage caused by trauma too. There definitely needs to be more awareness.

[@over50fab20]

Your absolutely right. When people ask me how did I overcome my horrible childhood traumas, I tell them "I didn't, it's a lifelong sentence" .

[@TheRetroWoman80]

Thank you for stating this.

[@KaliMav]

Seeing how the dude was granted parole after Jodi's death broke my heart. She wasn't there to fight anymore, but at least she didn't see him walk

[@nigellahordonez1148]

i know it was so heartbreaking

[@jazamaraz8029]

She was so articulate, and on point with her story, I'm sure she is a big reason why they weren't granted parole earlier.

[@saintcatherine]

And Fred woods now lives in a mansion filthy rich

[@estellepatella2520]

The men who did the crime should have NEVER been let out of prison. They got off too easy.

[@chloeuntrau4588]

and the kids should have never been investigated for 4 hours after being free without even see their parents!

[@zeebest1004]

@@chloeuntrau4588True BUT to get the criminals testimony has to be as fresh as possible. They weren’t forced, they were cared for and kept well and enjoyed their stay. It would actually be THERAPEUTIC for them to talk about it…

[@asdf3568]

46 years for kidnapping is not getting off easy.

[@anadubar4819]

@@asdf3568 Exactly. They have never had a life, either, because they have spent their life in prison. Whether someone finds this ok or not - in any case it is a harsh punishment, and definitely not "got off easy". Please !! In my opinion, each r*pe victim has experienced worse than these children, and most of them never get justice.

[@asdf3568]

@CCRider They didn't bury them. But what they did was obviously reckless. But had they raped or killed any of them I would have agreed with you

[@TahtahmesDiary]

“I wasn’t afraid of anything, I didn’t know I needed to be” 💔💔💔 reminds me of my 7 yr old son, it makes me so angry all these kids innocence were taken away and so traumatized for life.

[@kendrickdinger]

It makes me wonder when/if I have kids when is the right age to let them know about how there aren’t always good people in the world. I want them to have a carefree childhood but not oblivious to the dangers of the world

[@allergictostupidpeople7893]

​@@kendrickdinger at school age K OR UNDER HAVE TO TELL THEM TO NOT TRUST A MAN IN A VAN OR SUV SAYING HEY COME SEE MY DOG OR HEY YOUR MOM TOLD ME TO PICK YOU UP!$ I HAVE TWO SONS TOUGHT THEM YOUNG HAD TOO

[@hnichole]

@@kendrickdinger Agreed that it's such a hard balance. I didn't have great parents, but this is one aspect I think my dad actually handled really well, he taught me at like 7 years old that there are bad people in the world who will do bad things if given the chance, and that I should be smart and careful when I'm having fun (i.e. don't take things from strangers, don't leave the group with any adult, scream fire if someone tries to take you, don't ever let them take you to the second location), but that I couldn't live my life scared either, because then the bad people win. It might not work for every child, but as a kid who was already pretty anxious, this actually really helped me.

[@acklesis]

@@kendrickdinger agreed. my parents always drilled into my younger brothers head not to answer the door/talk to strangers, etc and it made him hyper paranoid for the majority of his childhood. it's hard to find that balance

[@Brittoxo]

I have a 7 year old little boy too just breaks my heart and makes me sick ;(

[@MamitaClaud]

Those kids suffered PTSD, night terrors, anxiety, bed wetting that may have lasted a long time. Those kidnappers should not have been given parole at all.

[@malyroberts4054]

Imagine if those children had not rescued themselves. This is sad and such a bizarre crime.

[@LotsofLisa]

Seriously, what was really even the point of this? I’ve never seen such a pointless, weird crime involving kids. Perpetrated by a bunch of dumb trust fund babies. Ugh!

[@Ineden774]

I completely remember this from my growing-up years. Some years ago, I was in a car, riding past the “ Chowchilla” sign. Still horrifying. I’m so sorry this happened to them. ❣️

[@hasany9483]

And they never got completely free until they turned old,the Systems failed them

[@LahainaStrong444]

such brave kids to get out of there and the bus driver too!

[@kriswilson265]

​@Carly Jack if you watch it all and listened you know the point

[@andreashepherd2050]

Being from Chowchilla. I remember this all to well. When we found out that they had been found and when that bus rolled in to town everyone was crying. I attended Dairyland school and knew Ed Ray. He was a wonderful man. God bless all the victim's of the kidnapping. RIP Jody.

[@skiking226USA]

Andrea glad this didn’t happen to you

[@develyntwocentshenderson5739]

I was on long island but I recall the alerts coming through the tv at the time

[@lideabarker8161]

Poor Jody, and all the others who suffered life long effects of this horrible crime.

[@samanthagomez7074]

Wow really

[@norcimorci]

How did Jodi die?

[@DIVINE_ENERGYGIVER]

Larry is a far better person than I could ever be. To hear three men who came from financially well-off homes and grew up in an affluent neighborhood did this. Those victims could've suffocated to death, if not for their perseverance and willingness to get out.

[@MariaPolov]

Yep, just imagine being from rich families, one who comes from a family that owned Magic Mountains of all amusement parks for kids. Kidnapping kids and burying them in a school bus! Sickening 13:44

[@carrietherkildsen4966]

Sad to learn Ed Ray passed away at age 91 in May of 2012. He saved all these kids lives. Ed Ray the hero 😊

[@allergictostupidpeople7893]

91 is long time

[@calibos3329]

He was 91...

[@jlnriddick]

That's a long life! I hope he lived it happily and was able to experience joy once again after this ordeal. He was a true hero! It's amazing the affect the behavior of those three men had on each of the individuals they kidnapped. 27 lives, along w the lives of all of their family members were, forever changed! They should have been given life for the damage they caused to these innocent kids!

[@KimberlieJackson]

He wasn't the hero. One of the kids, last name Miller made the heroic decision to get them out. When reporters attempted to interview the child Miller, the principal interrupted them. He asked that they let the children get some rest. The bus driver never said any different. The Miller child suffered greatly mentally

[@skylerstewart8220]

@@KimberlieJacksonhis name is Mike Marshall/ he’s the 14 year old boy who dug them out and got out first. Ed kept them calm but Mike kept them alive

[@elisatinsley5181]

I admire Mike's strength. He saved those children and the bus driver. He's a hero.

[@msay4596]

You know this could've gone a totally different way. Those kids easily could've died of heat, suffocation, or being crushed if the dirt fell in on them. Very thankful for the bravery and fortitude of the kids to save themselves. My youngest child recently had a medical episode that was beyond terrifying,my heart goes out to those parents who must've been so desperate to find their children.

[@kiara198923]

I hope your child is doing well now.

[@diamondbarnes7506]

Absolutely

[@theCosmicQueen]

the kidnappers may have planne don leaving them to thier death , buried. Since that is what a lot of kidnappers for ransom do. it eliminates witnesses. Thank God they escaped.

[@nwadoug]

In 2008, as a 42 year old adult man, I was taken hostage with several other people. Too well I've stood in their place! These brave, amazing, incredible, children!

[@MISNM0]

Good energy and peace to you on this side of having this terrible knowledge.

[@Vikki_G_]

Sending love ❤

[@jonzgurl4ever]

I am so sorry that happened to you and I hope you are doing well.

[@allergictostupidpeople7893]

MY SONS WOULD BE OUT THE BACK EXIT DOOR WITH A QUICKNESS LIKE I WOULD OF DONE OMG I NEVER HEARD THIS TILL NOW.. SO IM JUST INTO IT SO THE KIDS ESCAPED WAY RIGHT ON I WONDER IF TODAY'S CALI KIDS WOULD DO??

[@Aw-ns1qx]

OMG Im so so so sorry. 💔

[@nathak6526]

It's so sad how listening to them talk about the trauma sounds like it's still the kids talking. A clear indication that they are still stuck in time because of the intensity of the trauma they went through. Sending love to all the victims and families that were affected by the kidnapping

[@christianbrother4724]

Anyone who harms children maliciously there should be no mercy.

[@pa4o93ir49]

I disagree

[@ManipulatorEradicater]

Or animals.

[@ethansairsoftandmore5327]

​@@ManipulatorEradicateranimals? You are pitiful

[@apollosmommy12]

2😮

[@apollosmommy12]

@@pa4o93ir49 Wt

[@chairde]

I’m a veteran with diagnosed PTSD. These children have PTSD. Night terrors, dreams and a life of tears.

[@spindleblood]

I recommend EMDR therapy for PTSD. Really helped me. Might be able to help you too and others. ❤

[@swallowedinthesea11]

The guy who was the son of the quarry owner operated a gold mine, a car dealership, and even bought a mansion while in prison after inheriting $113 million from his parents. In 2012, Frank Edward 'Ed' Ray was visited by a lot of his students before his death. The city has a 'Edward Ray Day' every February 26 and a park in his name.

[@kiara198923]

Ed wasn't apart of it, was he?

[@swallowedinthesea11]

@@kiara198923 No, Ed was innocent 🙂

[@portcityminis]

That money should go to the victims

[@swallowedinthesea11]

@@portcityminis They did sue and get money ia couple of years ago, but one of the victims said the money was just enough for some therapy sessions yet not enough to buy a house.

[@UnbotherdOfficial99]

Quarry son is a legend

[@melaniemills4505]

That little girl explaining how she comforted the younger children...omg! 😭

[@BMarie774]

These kids all handled this incredibly. Mike, Jennifer, Jodi, etc. Their awareness, etc, was amazing.

[@dianev6180]

Losing trust when you are a child is devastating. It is so sad no one is advocating for these folks so deserving of assistance still.

[@healingandgrowth-infp4677]

I’ve lived without it all my life after trauma n abuse since childhood. It is not an alone incident n they have family support which is something I have not,

[@katydid1600]

Diane V Thank you for your comment. I have searched and searched my mind for what has made me a crazy adult. Your comment was the answer. God Bless You.

[@dianev6180]

@@healingandgrowth-infp4677 may you build your own family of love and support for the rest of your life, it will be worth it.

[@dianev6180]

@@katydid1600 I hope your journey continues to bring you peace❤❤❤

[@katydid1600]

@@dianev6180 Thank you.

[@owenlyons76]

Those kids would've suffocated if they hadn't been so brave to fight to escape. What an incredible story of good overcoming evil.

[@KarenMcAda]

What a slap in the face to all the victims. That parole board should be fired. Disgusting.

[@eajaros]

Yes I agree and I tend to think that the one broken man who forgave one of the kidnappers would never have been put in a position to think he had to forgive any of them for their crimes they never repented for in the first place. It’s a disgusting country we live in.

[@lideabarker8161]

@@eajaros True but the forgiveness was for himself not them. Sometimes the only way to escape the horror is to forgive the one who harmed you. I could not do it but I'm glad it helped him to do so.

[@kellymiller1891]

I think the Parole Board should've had their rear ends kicked.

[@theCosmicQueen]

maybe they are in thier 70s and assumed to be safe now? but who really knows.

[@rhyliewilliams4087]

​@@theCosmicQueen lot of people can do stuff in their 70s and function really well, my grandma being an example. She cleans, cooks, takes care of the animals and other people. They could still be very liable to do this again, their age isn't a liability, it's their health that is I suppose.

[@cookiekrisp7006]

I love that one girls attitude, she was so brave and so mature for her age. She is such a happy looking person even with trauma, we need more people like her in this world.

[@yaelfeder9042]

Truly a warrior❤

[@Hippie1969Chick]

What a story of hope. What that woman Jody said "Nothing was ever the same after that" broke my heart. What brave children, so happy they were reunited with thier families. Those men should ALL get what they gave, give the kid's shovels!!

[@donnadayle3762]

what a horrible ordeal. i understand why they have changed. they were just children who had never known there was evil out there. i can see and hear the shakiness in their voices even as adults. they will carry this around forever but i hope they can mend...with lots of support. i can tell they have PTSD. i hope they get help so it doesn't affect their future...i can't imagine the terror...

[@Al_Prazolam]

I turned 9 a few days before this happened, and had just moved with my family from the midwest to California about a month prior. This was the first news story that really frightened and affected me as a kid, and it has stayed in my memory all these years. Thanks to 48 Hours, the victims and everyone else involved for retelling the traumatic story here. It deserves to be remembered.

[@UntilNextime]

This entire case hits close to home. I lived in Chowchilla and left in the 6th grade. We moved to Oakland in 1968. The quarry was just 30 miles or so from home in Oakland. On the way to their summer swim, Ed Ray was going to meet my brother in law's dad, the bus driver for Chowchilla. I believe he was first to notify police when Ed's bus didn't show up. I was 18 and sickened by the unknown. I'm glad these now adults found their way in life. Not easily for sure. As for the others, I'd like to know how they've managed too. A real tear jerking memory of 1976.

[@allergictostupidpeople7893]

Where was his driver during kids escape?

[@canaryblack5871]

Regardless of Michael Marshall's outcome, he is a hero. The physically and mental strength and courage to move that manhole cover at age 14 is amazing. Thank God that everyone got out OK. May God continue to heal each of those that are still with us.

[@mynameisworld]

"God" didn't do any more than Batman or Mighty Mouse. It was that HUMAN BEING named Mike who did it. Thank MIKE that everyone got out ok. It's sick how people want to thank a fictional character rather than thanking the human beings who acted.

[@guenadyguenady4773]

@@mynameisworld : Where do you think the physical and mental strength and courage came to that 14 year old from? But don't bother to answer (too predictable). You can not believe in Air, too... It won't change what is. It would just be nice if you kept your bitterness/brittleness to yourself, since that kind of attitude does nothing to make friends or influence people. And it is out of place in this situation. Shame on you.

[@rebeccagroschek9752]

It was a human. People need to stop all this god thanking. Comparing air to god lol. Air is proven to exist. God isn’t.

[@rebeccagroschek9752]

Give people the credit they deserve

[@rebeccagroschek9752]

U having a stroke Wayne?

[@jakemcavoy2554]

(1) There is a book written by a psychiatrist name, Lenore Terr, MD , who interviewed the children shortly after they’re freed. The book is titled “Too Scare to Cry”. When I was in medical school, it was a mandatory book we had to read and write a paper on it. We’re all uncontrollably crying while reading. The book is well worth reading.

[@jlnriddick]

Thanks for mentioning this!

[@katscratchfever3506]

I’m going to find this! Thank you for the recommendation!

[@zeebest1004]

Mike saved them all, suffered as badly as anyone of them, yet he only spoke of the misery these people did to others, not himself…

[@hopieelliott6053]

@Zee best I knew Mike and his family before they moved to Chowchilla. We were neighbors. They were a very nice family. Everything that you said about Mike is true. He has suffered alot too. He has been very quiet about everything that happened on that day. Except talking to the investigators and those closest to him. I was glad to see him talk in this program. Mike is a very nice young man and we are very proud to know him.

[@zeebest1004]

@@hopieelliott6053 Wow!

[@pinkpearl4063]

Jodi, Michael, and Ed saved everyone that day. If those three people hadn't been on the bus that day, those kids would've died. I'm so sorry for the trauma they had afterwards but hopefully they know that they truly are heros! Good luck to you all and hope u all continue to heal.

[@ToniHunterOne]

Your missing the other little boy that was 6 when this happened. I think he was one of the children that continually testified. Forcing those kids to go back 3 to 6 times a year to relive their traumas just to keep them in jail is also a crime.

[@han6061]

Prob also other kids that didn't wanne work on this

[@siobhanoconnor8334]

This is the most bizarre, elaborate and pre-planned crime I’ve ever heard of. What those kids and Mr. Edward endured is hard to fathom. But they managed to rescue themselves before their kidnappers even made the ransom attempt! This story is maddening at times, but ultimately it’s a remarkable testament to the power of human strength and resiliency. Fred Woods should have died in prison.

[@sveng3192]

The parole hearings should never have overshadowed their lives to such an extend. Wtf?

[@marytuazon630]

cases like that should not grant parole. they caused so much psychological trauma. the kids and their families will never be the same.

[@desireedolata7818]

Michael your concern for you to not be able to say goodbye to your mother in that perdicument and then years later speaking on how your parents felt, is just heart warming. What a good son you are ❤️

[@angelaavery4264]

💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜So sad how the kids suffered life long trauma from this event. I think all 27 are heros, they stuck together, they held each other, they all kept each other safe and nobody fell completely apart during the whole event. They are all amazing 💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜

[@kiara198923]

Definitely!!!!

[@Grandma_Lori]

As a child myself at the time, I watched this unfold via TV. I was so scared it would happen to me, too. These children survived a living nightmare. My family prayed for them. I cheered when it was reported that they were found. Even today, this affects them. My prayers to them all.

[@atleastihavecoffee]

They didn't have enough love. -Jennifer. 💔This girl, even after all that, she remains an angel.

[@yaelfeder9042]

My new hero

[@MissyA1966]

I remember when this happened. I was 10 years old. I can only imagine how those children felt. Thank God they had Mr Edward & the older boy Michael. I can not believe the parole boards finally let out those 3 out on parole especially Fred Woods!!! RIP: Mr Edward, RIP: Jodi

[@sr2291]

Stupid laws.

[@charlotted6247]

I think I was 9. I remember this and thought about kidnappings all the time. Scared me and it stuck with me.

[@bertkilborne6464]

I remember it too - It was a huge story on the news.

[@donnapavina8803]

What year was it? I remember it but only vaguely. Like it was a dream. I was born in 70.

[@Littlemouse884]

Michael was a hero

[@rrelampago1]

In 1976, I was a young mother of a 7 yo boy. I was horrified by what happened to those children and feared that it could have been my son. It started a life long study of trauma and the effects on a young child. I read the book, "Too Scared to Cry", by Lenore Terr . I decided this is what I want to do with my life. It took me a while to get there but I now have a PhD degree in Child Development and I am a children's mental health clinician specializing in trauma. Thanks to the children kidnapped in Chowchilla my life's work was born. I am so proud of the people that they have grown into.

[@tzatwar]

mike was so incredibly brave and i know those kids are still thankful for his heroism to this day. his actions were truly selfless.

[@roxanaescobar5645]

You can tell how traumatized that has made them as adults. You can tell that some of them are not right with their mental health. They damaged these people for no reason!!

[@AKA253]

To anyone working through trauma, old or new, physical, emotional, sexual, or otherwise, whether you practice a faith or not: you do not have to forgive to heal from trauma. It’s a wonderful feeling for some, but it can also be incredibly damaging to believe it’s required to your personal healing. You aren’t in any sort of denial by not forgiving your perpetrators, you aren’t doing it “wrong”, you aren’t holding yourself back in some way. If you feel that some kind of forgiveness would benefit your growth and healing process, you’re already on your way. If you feel like you just can’t imagine it, you’re in no way alone or hurting yourself by doing so. It is YOUR process, and while advice can be given, real growth can’t be forced. I’ve forgiven one, and I haven’t forgiven others. In most of my healing, I’ve really been thriving from forgiving myself. I can hold myself to it when I say there are some people that hurt me that will never be forgiven. Each person is different, and each trauma that person goes through is going to be different as well. Your process, your life and your journey through the BS you’ve faced is in every way YOURS. If you don’t believe forgiveness will heal you, that’s totally okay. You know yourself better than any other person could ever let you know. I say this because I spent some critical time thinking that forgiveness was the only way forward. I’d heard time and time again that forgiving the people that had hurt me would benefit me, doing so would help me grow from those events. It led me to believe that if I couldn’t forgive them, or if I couldn’t find my benefit or change from forgiving them, that I was “doing it wrong”. My healing takes time, it takes effort, and it takes patience. But it does NOT require forgiveness. Much love ❤

[@SquirlieMcSquirrel]

100% this

[@mamajewelful]

When I was in kindergarten, the bus driver threatened to not take us home because kids misbehaving. I was soooooo upset by the time I got dropped off. I couldn’t imagine this! 🥺

[@kml2546]

My step daughter had the same experience. She never rode the bus again. As traumatic as that was for her I can only imagine the fear that these children had during and after this.

[@smarieintn5955]

It's a good idea to know who the people are taking your kids to and from school each day.

[@mynameisworld]

My 5-year-old niece's cafeteria worker threatened her because she has allergies and asked for a substitution since she couldn't eat the peanut butter. The cafeteria worker threatened to take my niece home with her to carry out her threats. My niece is adopted, so she thought the woman really could take her away from her family. She was in terror of going to school after that.

[@carter_1]

Kid's minds are so different than adults and we can't ever forget that. Your situation made me THINK about the actual mental trauma. I have a couple "silly stories" ..today at 40 they are silly, at the time and for a decade + they were not silly & impacted me greatly. It's not till you are much older that you can say "why did I let that bother me so much" Your bus driver was talking "off the cuff" knowing he/she wasn't serious (highly reckless) but not serious... yet it violated your trust, caused panic & fear while you are trying think... it felt monumental !! Thank you for sharing that, it made me think, really, really think what those kids went through emotionally. I didn't actually stop and think how a child's brain processes those things. I can't imagine the horror... they really were ROBBED of a normal life.

[@aidene5513]

@@mynameisworld that woman needs to be fired instantly! How can someone like that get paid to work with kids? Adults who treat kids like that are.......

[@ohreally1997]

I thought it was really interesting to see how the survivors attempted to adapt to their trauma. The outcomes just amongst these few was so wildly different, I wonder how the rest of them faired. Larry's forgiveness was inspiring, there's a lot to be said about the necessity of radical acceptance. Heartbreaking that Jodi has passed, clutching her trauma til the end, a singular event seemingly ruined her whole life.

[@kaitlynng7214]

If you are interested I would look into what makes a person susceptible to developing PTSD. For example, two people can undergo the same traumatic event but if one person has no support system at home, then they are much more susceptible to the effects of PTSD. There’s numerous other reasons too. I have been diagnosed myself. Quite a debilitating condition and I deeply empathize with Jodi while simultaneously admiring Larry.

[@kiara198923]

What happened to Jodi?

[@McPierogiPazza]

I wouldn't say she was clutching it. She really tried to deal with it but couldn't find what worked. I'm 55 and am still finding ways my childhood abuse affects me despite years of hard work to move past it. Trauma, especially in childhood, reshapes you. Look at how many years a few of these victims struggled with addiction. I'll bet a lot of the kids ended up in those shoes.

[@lvega5606]

​@McPierogiPazza i feel like a lot of people from Chowchilla have addictions regardless of trauma. There was always going to be a big percentange of them that did drugs.

[@MISNM0]

I like your post.

[@CannabisQueen2032]

Michael was put on this Earth to save those children and even though it weighs so heavily on his heart he saved everyone's life no one will ever forget him may you fine just a little piece of solace and happiness

[@savagenomore]

Michael, if you ever read this let me say you are a true hero, you didn't give up and found a way out of there.

[@islanddreamer7213]

Shame shame shame on each of those parole board members. Those children are still imprisoned and those monsters are free. They were willing to let those children die. What a horrific experience for those families.

[@ciro8861]

for all their detailed calculations, i dont think the kidnappers planned for their release. i think they were going to let everybody die in there cause the food wasn't nearly enough and the fans cut out early. they saved their own lives for sure. even though one was a psychopath. they were all a special kind of evil to do that to children

[@HK-vy3fh]

Sociopathic.

[@diamondbarnes7506]

Yep very evil

[@annatullison1482]

I believe they were gonna traffic these kids.

[@ScreaamJaniii]

That's actually a really good point.

[@cruisepaige]

For some reason I did know about this, even though I was a kid at the time. This program documents how bad trauma can effect our lives and how we must do better at addressing it.

[@kiara198923]

I agree!

[@deniece0821]

I was in kindergarten when this happened. It freaked my parents out so badly that my dad took me to school and my aunt picked me up every day after. It took them almost a year before they would let me ride the bus again.

[@georgerobinson3269]

Hello pretty

[@katiecampbell9191]

I cried at the end when Jodi said what she said about how it affected her being a good mom.

[@DrTLEvans]

Lord have mercy. To see and hear these traumatized children, in adult bodies, tell their stories of bravery and resilience is heartbreaking. I can’t imagine their lives carrying this baggage. Poor babies and parents weren’t aware of their PSTD.🙏🏾💔❤️

[@Lawomenshoops]

There is now an organization of bikers, who befriend kids who have to testify in court. The bikers are there for the kids, and tell the kids just look at them when testifying. When kids see a group of 20 bikers it can be pretty reassuring they are safe! Wish there was this type of organization back then for these kids!

[@stephenHolloway88]

The ending 😢. That's so sad that she passed away and he got out. None of them should have ever been let out.

[@JohnnyThorNMEnumber1]

I really don't understand being sentenced for life and then being granted parole

[@ritadonnelly8820]

Friggin joke

[@jjmisclove]

I don't know your law knowledge level but many aspects of law are written with acceptable reasoning at best, only if you look into them. Parole is meant to rehabilitate - second chance for offenders that didn't do something as bad. Of course, parole can be refused repeatedly if the offender fails to be on the route to recovery while in prison. A lot of these aspects of law are meant to be fair in an objective way, not based on personal feelings. The jury decides on guilt but the judge determines the sentence based on the law.

[@TheRetroWoman80]

I can believe it, thought it is absolutely wrong, because for generations the awful crimes committed against children behind closed doors were never taken seriously, forget about a court case. I mean, it took that Sylvia Likens case in the 60s for child abuse to actually have legislation behind it.

[@ambermyers7463]

Exactly what Newsom plans to do in California

[@JohnnyThorNMEnumber1]

@@jjmisclove it doesnt matter if you to be good while in prison. the point is when you got sentence for life thats it..

[@kayde.xoxo.]

My heart sank when it said that Jodi passed away and then the last guy was let out shortly after . This entire case just proves the justice system is broken and has been for MANY MANY years. I could never imagine being in this situation or having something like this happen to my daughter. This world is so scary and it breaks my heart so much.

[@lauraa9007]

This is such an injustice for those kids and their families. Their lives and childhoods were destroyed by these monsters, they will never get that back. It is an absolute shame these criminals were paroled and not to mention the years of revisiting the crime just to keep these offenders locked away. Something should be done about this justice system when it’s the victims burden to keep the perpetrators locked away.

[@lideabarker8161]

Especially crimes against children. Do any of us want people who can do that out in society???

[@lisan8561]

I remember watching news about this kidnapping while living in Minnesota. Now I live 15 minutes north of Chowchilla. This was such a heinous crime. How could the three criminals be released from prison? All the children's lives were forever negatively impacted by the terror they experienced. The parents...I can only imagine the fear.

[@tottenhamteacher]

Nguyen

[@Cicishere5]

55 is young. I'm sure the PTSD of what she went through, and the stress of going to all those parole hearings took something out of her and contributed to her passing away. RIP Jodi and thank you for fighting as long as you did. I wish peace to all of the survivors. As for the kidnappers, shame on them. White privilege, male privilege, wealthy privilege, and a combination of all 3 is how they were able to get their sentences overturned and see the light of day! They should have stayed locked up!

[@michaelbenton1434]

It breaks my heart that Jodi Heffington suffered so deeply for the rest of her life. They should have never been granted parole

[@Dr.Gunsmith]

What a horrendous terror they went through, disturbing, monsters really do walk amongst us.

[@Sparkedbynatty]

So heartbreaking that they went through this and couldn’t get help after because mental health wasn’t as important back then. They shouldn’t have ever been let out. Horrible!

[@TheRetroWoman80]

Exactly. Disgusting.

[@kiara198923]

Wow! That's def heartbreaking to know! You can still see the child within them even though they are all adults now.

[@jeanneglisson4995]

The three men were from wealthy families. If they were poor or average socioeconomic class they would have gotten life with no parole.

[@Periwinkleblue.]

The healing Larry experienced through forgiveness is remarkable. And is not the 1st of its kind that I've heard. Michael's struggles and Jody's tragic ending is heartbreaking. But I'm thankful they all made it through this.

[@brittany2654]

This was by far the hardest 48 hrs EVER for me to watch.. I applaud all the victims on their sobriety.. I pray HARD that they all find peace.. I cannot IMAGINE 😢 💔 as a recovering addict myself (8/23/17) and a single mother of a 4 yr old- I'm thinking homeschool..

[@ilovechocolatecroissants]

same, i always try to avoid the stories involving children. so heartbreaking.🥺

[@kellycuckoo3143]

It’s truly remarkable to watch all these heroes tell their stories of survival. They are clearly some of the strongest human beings to ever exist. Their survival is epically monumental.

[@mariekatherine5238]

I remember this, praying at school for these kids to be found quickly and still alive.

[@susuburleson878]

Why were you in school in July??

[@mael2039]

how amazing is it that these kids fought to get out. These kids stacked up mattresses and stood on each others shoulders and dug and kicked and they were so crafty. That's incredible. It's incredible what they were able to do. Even adults in the same situation might not have been able to do that.

[@NicoleSams]

Children have such unbound ingenuity.

[@Factsmatter420]

People don’t realize the strength of children!! These kids save themselves before anyone knew where they could be!! Brave children!!

[@mzdeeify]

Rip Jodie, it's thanks to your persistence that kept that pos in jail. I hope your at peace now 🙏

[@Contessa6363]

I remember this well. I was 13 at the time. Chowchilla was very close to where I was living at the time. I can not impress upon you how hot it would have been. The PTSD must be through the roof.

[@onyxblack2409]

Honestly shocks me they let everyone go, especially the last guy, all he has to do is behave for a little while and when his parole is over he's free to be a psychopath and harm others again, I feel for everyone one of the who went through this and hope they never have to feel fear like that again

[@missj.d9187]

I'm only 4 mins in and I've got chills. Imagine being the first two children dropped off totally uninvolved. It's funny at the beginning the place looks so amazing and beautifully safe which I would love to move to in a heartbeat to bring up children

[@Oscarsmom28]

Those men deserved life without parole. The children ended up with a life sentence of having to relive their horrific experience every couple years is cruel and unusual punishment. It’s infuriating 🤬

[@blackwidowspider9852]

I cried hearing about the guy that said he was 9 years sober my heart goes out to him

[@judith6571]

I have always been fascinated/ sickened by this story.. I was 24 when it happened. I made it through only a bit of this report,too horrific...I already know how it ends. God bless these children turned adults and their parents. Life can turn on a dime. All the best to everyone.You are heroes. Praise God for your strength and ability to carry on through this. You have our love and respect.

[@againstallodds0538]

34:00 "When you go through something so traumatic, it's hard to go back and be a normal kid again" 💔💔💔 This is how I feel every single day 😢

[@TalentGumbi]

So sorry that your traumatic experience has you feeling this way. Hope you find peace and healing some day. Hugs to you ❤

[@AndI-ji4eo]

33:55 The bane of childhood trauma: “In a way… you try to be normal, but… when you’ve gone through something that is so traumatic, it’s hard to go back and be a normal kid again…”

[@RachelDarling.]

Larry Park's testimony at the end got me. I have felt that peace before, one time.... Just wash over me. At one of the hardest times of my life, I felt that peace that surpassed all my understanding. It was like riding on a cloud. Everything was warm. It was beautiful. I'll never forget it. And it was from Jesus and from Heaven. There's no doubt in my mind. It takes a strong person to forgive those who have done them wrong. I'm happy for Larry and glad that he found his peace after all these years ❤️

[@btslesserafimtxt]

I see the quality of reporting wasn't better than it is now. Asking a child "if they felt like a movie star!" when they were kidnapped is beyond this world.

[@marciabeasley8506]

When innocence is stolen is such a traumatic way… I can’t even imagine how difficult their lives have been! I wish them my best!

[@gak2008]

I COULD NOT STOP CRYING through this. The innocence and fight is both heartbreaking and inspiring at the same time. I just want to hug all of them and cry and tell them they are heroes to me.

[@countrygirlxo7188]

Michael was so brave. I couldn’t imagine being the first one to crawl out of that bus. Thinking that sawed off shotgun would be greeting me as soon as my head popped up. You can only ever truly be brave, when you’re absolutely terrified. ❤

[@tesssanderlin6904]

My daughter was a victim of human trafficking. Still trying to move on. She is a victim of a victim of adult of victim abuse. She is back home with me. Took me 3 years to get her back.

[@RAMizer]

Such a sad, terrifying story but it is so amazing and fortunate that they were able to get out. Man that's so scary.

[@martijordak806]

God had his hand on everyone of them!

[@Mr.EmeraldTheGreen]

RIP Jodi, you were an extremely beautiful awesome and above all BRAVE little girl. I sincerely hope you didn’t go through life blaming yourself for things that were out of your control, at the end, you seemed very dejected 😞. But I think you were as strong as they come. RIP.

[@starrhrndz]

48 coming through on a Friday. As always, my heart goes out to the victims of these tragedies.

[@TheRetroWoman80]

Right.

[@Bettinasisrg]

Makes me so sad for all the kids around the world in severe trauma situations like this. We all have our little traumas like divorce, death in the family etc but this stuff is next level.

[@andreagarrison2109]

Just listening to the (now adult) children and hearing details of them recounting this disturbing experience gives me tremendous anxiety. I cannot begin to even try to imagine how terrified those kids were feeling and their parents as well as this was going on. Having the desire to do such a thing, planning it out, (seemingly covering all bases and every detail) and then actually carrying it out is next level sick, twisted and sadistic . 😮

[@latle111]

This was pure evil, nothing but evilness. Them getting paroled is too generous.

[@patriciaallen1872]

Not a single one of those pieces of garbage should ever have been let out.

[@Consequence]

I'm a grown adult and I wish to be half as brave as Mikey and Jodi when they were kids.

[@gabos7892]

Many of the children continued to report symptoms of trauma at least 25 years after the kidnapping, including substance abuse and depression, and a number have been imprisoned for "doing something controlling to somebody else."