The Ghosts of El Segundo | Full Episode

[@48hours]

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

[@makt122]

What is the original air date of this episode?

[@OutInTheBuyah]

​@@makt122 July 5, 2005

[@ElsieTan-pj4ph]

O😊​@@OutInTheBuyah

[@mizread]

❤​@@ElsieTan-pj4ph

[@guillermoemiliomariaibanez339]

Neither the graduating class photo no see no black cops, amazing, ain't that?

[@t.k.3895]

I hate that line. “he made a couple of mistakes “. He killed two people and raped another. That’s not a mistake. That’s a choice.

[@suzanne26slinger]

evil

[@Kenlydford]

I could not believe he said that. I guess birds of a feather…

[@marivipalomino6975]

Thanks for mentioning the rape.

[@chrisbradshaw6135]

Especially since they occurred at least an hour later. He had plenty of time to think about what he was doing

[@louielou6294]

Exactly

[@FiresideAngel]

"He was such a good father and grandfather....", an opportunity those officers never got because of this man.

[@bobgillis1137]

Indeed. That is irrelevant. There is always free will.

[@karenmartin4221]

Exactly!

[@kellyewhiteside709]

Same with BTK

[@jeannerountree952]

But there were likely signs

[@ydoicare2000]

@@jeannerountree952of what?

[@pittbullking87]

He "made mistakes as a kid!?" He murdered two people, raped a 15 year girl, and stole a car. He was 23 years old at the time and an adult. (The same age as one of the women he widowed.) These where not "mistakes" but deliberate and depraved acts that ended the lives of two people and will negatively affect numerous other people for the rest of their lives.

[@susanalexander6721]

He also absolutely terrorized the other 3 teens who thought they were going to be murdered!

[@oldhickory4686]

This is why no matter how old one gets, God's justice is pursuing. Numbers 32 KJV 23 But if ye will not do so, behold, ye have sinned against the Lord: and be sure your sin will find you out.

[@meesomebody2000]

@@oldhickory4686God doesnt operate in revenge. If his heart was changed and he repented God forgave him and forgot about what he had done. He and God were good. But what the bible does say is God forgives but you still have to abide by the laws of the land and there may still be consequences for your actions.

[@oldhickory4686]

@@meesomebody2000 Show me where he repented.

[@aleisaetheridge8682]

​@@meesomebody2000but that's only if your truly sorry for what U have done ,truly changed and sorry and he wasn't ,he made excuses for himself but that's all and God can see the evil in your heart ,no matter how many times u ask for forgiveness,He knows .

[@RullVox]

He shot them because he didn't want to go to jail that night. I'm glad he was finally caught.

[@missingmimic]

The daughter saying how her dad never got to live that great life was truly heartbreaking, its not fair certainly. Life is cruel 😢

[@Kari.F.]

Yes, life can be very, very unfair, and undeservedly short. If someone dies young from a disease, that's a tragedy, too. But losing a loved one because someone else made the decision to end their life, adds a thick extra layer of trauma. Another layer comes with not getting justice. How do we grief properly when our grief is so infected with justified rage against someone we don't even know the identity of? I can't even begin to imagine what that must be like... 😥

[@JenniferOMahony-gv5rs]

Well said Hun I couldn't have said it better myself 💕

[@bobgillis1137]

Death is even worse.

[@karenrobertson2312]

My dad was killed in 1957, making my mom a widow at age 22. I understand these peoples story. RIP

[@vm3141]

I am sorry for your loss 🙏🥺

[@karenrobertson2312]

@@vm3141 thank you!

[@kimweidner7351]

My adoptive mother’s first husband was a pilot and crashed into a mountain dying, leaving her a widow at 21. She has never forgotten him and mourned his death multiple times a year, literally my entire life and until she passed. I am 55 today. He wasn’t my father, my mother finally remarried and had me with her second husband. But the loss affected her tremendously and it affected us kids even though he wasn’t our father. My point, The loss on such a scale is hard to define especially, when kids are involved and now they are parentless. I cannot truly know how your life was affected for you. But I have some idea, and I am so sorry you had to go through that.

[@karenrobertson2312]

@@kimweidner7351 I was less than one month old. Also a plane crash. It was my dad & the pilot. Small plane. South Louisiana. Crashed into a bayou. Killed both of them. My mom remarried but my life was very strange.

[@sergeawono4804]

Sorry for your loss

[@dorothyspeaks6997]

I LOVE when they’re caught after years of being free. Everything done in the dark will come to the light.

[@petratuccino717]

Amen ❤

[@Spiderlash97]

Me too. Cold cases always affect me. There are a lot of old men out there waiting for a knock at their door

[@Everyoneisanartist776]

@@Spiderlash97oh yeah. Sadly, we have to trust there’s a hell if you believe in that kind of thing.

[@Oceanbreeze-d9w]

The Bible say's your sin will find you out.

[@Oceanbreeze-d9w]

@@Everyoneisanartist776 Absolutely

[@rachelsill79]

Mason died in prison on January 22, 2017, nine days before his 83rd birthday. He had spent 14 years in prison. His next parole hearing was still seven years away.

[@renayeblack5906]

Wow, thank you

[@mrs_mentalhealthsa]

Thank you

[@thetruthhurts-j7j]

Thanks for the info!

[@Wistful77]

👍🏽good to know.

[@rashadthewealthcoach]

I’ve seen this case multiple times on other platforms, including Forensic Files. Absolutely incredible that they caught this scumbag after so many years.

[@mikeisaacs2314]

I saw it to on Forensic files

[@jakeblackford]

A couple mistakes?!?! Are you crazy??? Who cares how good he has been, he took lives physically and mentally

[@TheDriftwoodlover]

How easily two murders are reduced to “mistakes” made by a “young guy.”

[@kotorisama3080]

Dont forget the r8pe. The girl will never be the same and the other boys as well.

[@timmellin2815]

Listen to the tone of his voice when he got arrested: "You're coming for me for that ? " It's like he had put the incident behind him, so "how dare you bust me after all these years." Odd tie in I have to El Segundo: in 1977 I worked on the El Segundo Refinery you see in the feature....I lived there for about a year, and saw some of Keith Cleary's HS baseball games at Rec. Park. I wonder if Keith is Detective Cleary's son. El Segundo was where I learned my brother had been killed on another refinery construction job in Alaska......my dad was the head of the construction division of the company that built the refinery I worked on in El Segundo and my brother worked on in Alaska in 1977 where he was killed in that construction accident. It was so traumatic for my family, that we never got answers to how exactly it happened and where were the official reports of that accident. Dad always said: "it's too painful for your mother and I to discuss anything about it." Not a unlawful cover up, but possibly a cover up of convenience since the accident had been because a safety measure of dad's company hadn't been followed.....looking into it would have drawn things out so maybe everyone just tacitly agreed to sweep an inquiry under the rug for one reason or another. It's just been that over the past 2 years, I've awakened and started asking questions, since dad and mom have long since passed away. I've been pursuing some answers and records in my brother's death's own cold case files. I move forward on and off; but every time I see a new Cold Csse Files or 48 Hours Pgm., it encourages me to keep looking for some answers to questions we were never allowed to ask.

[@bobgillis1137]

@@timmellin2815 I am guessing from the time frame of your personal history that your folks were born in 1920's or so, as were mine. I find that generation had a way of dealing with traumatic history by not discussing it. Neither my parents spoke much of the great depression, nor the war that followed which must have affected them greatly. It was how that generation coped with things, IMHO. And who's to say they were wrong to do so. All the therapy an pharmaceuticals subsequent generations employed to come to terms with tragedy didn't seem to fare much better, TBH. I don't know if any resolution for industrial incidents like you brother's is likely to happen, but you never know. Best of luck going forward. Btw, I worked building refineries in northern Canada for my mid-life years. Heard of a few nasty accidents there.

[@timmellin2815]

@@bobgillis1137 Thanks, Bob, very much for your thoughtful response ! The only thing I am seeking is to find out what happened. I am not interested in any monetary things like lawsuits, etc. Too late for that anyway; I just want to honor my brother's memory by following up, so I can know for myself that I haven't forgotten him.

[@marivipalomino6975]

He was judged for the killings but did they mention in the trial that he had raped a woman that same day? I find it difficult to believe that after stealing, raping and murdering, this guy went about his life to be a good Samaritan. Maybe he was just good at concealing his true nature. Who knows how many more crimes he committed.

[@aisha2370]

Likely statute of limitations. As to this report, maybe the victim didn't want her identity disclosed.

[@rachelsill79]

​@@aisha2370"Mason pleaded guilty to the murders and was sentenced to two consecutive life terms, with a minimum of seven years. As part of the deal, the rape, robbery and grand theft charges were dropped, which spared surviving victims from having to testify and Mason's family from having to listen to testimony about how he'd raped a teenage girl."

[@trh1493]

exactly

[@clarissa4508]

Being a good samaritan after killing was a way to cope up and.cover up his guilt. He probably thought that changing his life into better and doing good to others can finally eleminate all his sins 😅

[@Everyoneisanartist776]

@@aisha2370oh yeah! I completely forgot about that. Makes sense now. Thank you for your comment.

[@Giahny7]

Never been moved so much by a case like this one . Good job guys . Rest in peace officers 👮

[@Frenchblue8]

Same here. This one has always touched me.

[@GOLDVIOLINbowofdeath]

You’ve let us shelter life if this is the worst case you’ve ever heard about. look up Kelly Thomas. Please admit it that he had committed no crime and yet the police beat him to death and none of them were ever convicted and most of them were not even charged or had their charges dropped during the Obama and Eric Holder administration

[@michaelbodine9240]

He made a couple of mistakes?! Raped a teenager, and killed two cops! That’s a lot more that a couple of mistakes!

[@Apoloeleven-s2g]

He is a nice man

[@BrendaBaBoom]

The rape and robbery and the murders of those two officers tell me he was capable of doing ANYTHING.

[@ehsan2955]

One of the BEST episodes yet. Great job 48Hrs.

[@renayeblack5906]

I agree. It is well done .

[@darryl.c7972]

48 Hours, such great episodes and so well done. Sorry for the loss of these young officers and the tragedy the family and friends have had to go through...

[@rachelsill79]

They left out some stuff but did a pretty good job considering they only had an hour

[@lputaa]

So grateful to 48hours for great stories as much as they're sad stories but I envy the American way of crime investigation. Always watching from Kenya 🇰🇪

[@Janettoi]

I really wish crime investigation at home was done as thorough as it's done in the West. 🇰🇪

[@marcelokodama238]

This was the most mind-blowing case ever of all 48 Hours episodes I watched so far. A cold-blooded cop killer, rapist living a "good life" for 40+ years after commiting these horrific crimes is nauseating. But justice was served. Better late than never.

[@meepie9819]

It is insane, that one of his friends would say; “he made a couple of mistakes”. If a 17-year-old kid shot and killed his grandchildreni, would he call that a mistake, too?

[@leddoandroidgirl]

His initial reaction when officers tell him why they're there and he says "you're here for THAT" tells you that he had just written that off and out of his mind and was probably confident he would never be caught. Selfish are the people that defended him, they got to live out their lives and the victims were robbed of that because of that man's actions.

[@BrendaBaBoom]

That got my attention as well. Sadly, for him “THAT” back yonder was irrelevant. 😭

[@OssoLily-ix5vz]

And, because he said that, makes me believe he’d done other crimes too. Like “ Is that what you’re here for, THAT!!?

[@Everett-eh4nn]

He could have committed all sorts of crimes he never got caught for.

[@TawnyC_]

Probably did.

[@petratuccino717]

I was thinking the same thing. He probably never got caught.

[@BrendaBaBoom]

I agree 🎯

[@Emmanuel-mc9bd]

Yeah let's be honest, we all have

[@barneyronnie]

​@@Emmanuel-mc9bdThat's not true.

[@Memg007]

He’s sorry because his peaceful life got “interrupted”. Honestly, I don't think his conscience blamed him even once. He was living his life as if nothing happened.

[@BrendaBaBoom]

🎯🎯🎯

[@johndavis9432]

That's right.I saw this POS when he was convicted.His fake remorse was sickening.He was only sorry because he was caught.All murderers are like that.

[@bobgillis1137]

"conscience", but yes.

[@Memg007]

@@bobgillis1137 Thanks for the correction. I appreciate it.

[@LullabyLuella]

Wow. Happened just a few days before I was born. My Dad was a cop in El Segundo.

[@johndavis9432]

Did your Dad know those two officers?

[@gcrichman53]

It's really good to see you cover old cases I really wish that you would show more old cases from the 1960's,1970's,1980's and 1990's.

[@Ahnishinabe]

The old fingerprint guy was precious and beautiful, it was great to see him live to see the arrest.

[@beautifulone5509]

If he was "sorry" he would have turned himself in years ago!!!

[@shelteredsparrow2736]

Well said

[@johndavis9432]

He wasn't sorry.His remorse was fake.He was only sorry because he got caught.And that neighbor that said he made "mistakes" is a fool.

[@GOLDVIOLINbowofdeath]

And they all still would have wanted vengeance

[@Natas_Nico08518]

It’s not that he didn’t commit another crime, he didn’t get caught for another crime.

[@Doniameche]

Yes I agree

[@liseklerekoper2441]

Exactly. I’m sure there were other victims.

[@AlexAndra-iy5zu]

Great job!!! The young lady who was assaulted and the family of the police officer finally have justice Justice doesn’t take away the pain, but hopefully it brings some peace

[@nancylarrea9396]

I don’t believe this guy is remorseful for one second. He is definitely guilty of other unsolved crimes.

[@donharen4429]

Glad to see this man face justice. Many times these cold cases end with the perpetrator already deceased. In addition to feeling bad for the victims of his crimes, I also feel bad for his family who most likely never saw this coming. He left a lot of victims in his wake, selfish man.

[@NefariousEvildoer]

Definitely. I feel bad for his wife, you can hear her around 31:29 crying "what are you gonna do with him?" as he's being arrested. Imagine finding out the man you've been married to for years is a rapist and a cop killer. Poor woman.

[@shelteredsparrow2736]

Well said

[@nikos9257]

And we can not really be sure that he didn’t commit any other crimes! He just wasn’t caught!

[@AP12360]

I agree. He has probably committed other crimes that he's never been caught for.

[@janetgood6332]

@@AP12360 Virtually all violent men who commit rape do it more than once. Especially back then it was very rarely reported.

[@cindyadkins135]

What an unbelievable story. I wish we could have known what happened to that teenage girl. Heartbreaking.

[@toxic.forest]

Remorse doesnt negate the fact that his "mistakes" as a "kid" ruined the lives of many people who are still dealing with the pain and trauma. He is just crying because he got caught.

[@pikachiu4285]

Coffee and 48 hours to start my day! I’m addicted to this show! I’m learning a lot abt the law but so sorry for all the victims and their families.

[@carieyounginsurance]

Really good lesson that what you do in your youth will follow you through your life…

[@sheriedgar5378]

I grew up in El Segundo and still live in the area. Never heard of this case until now. Thank you for covering it!

[@petratuccino717]

Best 48 hours EVERRRR!!! My most favorite crime show ty!!! Rip to the dedicated awesome police officers who were taken way too soon ❤

[@Perla-w2d]

There's something beautiful when a whole community sticks together for a cause . We are indeed more powerful together . I got teary eyed by the end

[@Elisabeth-s8j]

Say what !

[@11bravo1789]

Outstanding work officers. Hope the families are doing well.

[@lisasentich5726]

Thank you to all of these officers who never gave up trying to solve this case. God bless the families of the officers who were killed. May they rest in peace.

[@capiruzca]

A leopard doesn’t change his spots. Love it when they finally get caught 🤣🤣🤣

[@philippamediwake1235]

It seemed this leopard did!

[@stfuplsok]

ITS* spots

[@Emmanuel-mc9bd]

Yup, All the witnesses will never be enough, once a villain always a villain

[@Goddess-tz5to]

​@@philippamediwake1235or he hid other crimes well while living the rest of his life as a seemingly "upstanding citizen'. Who knows how many other crimes he committed over the years and got away with.

[@Missmori]

in this case he left a single fingerprint. that tells me there could have been other crimes he never got caught for. because there wasn't evidence.

[@taililin8047]

Thanks all the people working so hard to catch him.

[@magdasmith1421]

Absolutely phenomenal... Finally the families got justice. It's just incredibly sad.

[@LionofJudah222]

If you're like me, they can barely get the 48 hours episodes out before I am like yay! 🙌 They do such a great job with the way that the investigation and the information is portrayed

[@E-Kat]

"I'm like" - like what?

[@maraesthermendez6127]

Same here! I’m addicted! Ugh! And, Lol!

[@Elisabeth-s8j]

Watchers . Watching the lives of others

[@moonstar7775]

This story was heart-wrenching for me. The cruelties of life took my father from my family and we grew up in a one-parent home. I can relate 100% to the families of these two murdered cops. This killer lived 50 years while the two men he murdered lay in their graves. How very sad life can be!

[@shelteredsparrow2736]

❤

[@shelbybutler9714]

If he were really an honorable man, he would have turned himself in. I'm glad he was caught and held accountable.

[@tymom9313]

💯

[@Badada394]

Happy for another 48 hours episode.. Keeps my afternoon going on well from 🇰🇪.

[@E-Kat]

How can you be happy watching program about people who got murdered and woman got raped? Would you be also happy if this program was about your family members who got killed? Empathy must be a word you don't know.

[@originalpanda5000]

Ummm or they could simply enjoy the show's production value? We're all here to watch the story, but it's the production value that makes it entertaining, obviously not the content. Sheesh!

[@LgpB]

This was an exceptional episode👏🏼

[@Everett-eh4nn]

He can't be guilty if he put flood lights up!!!

[@underratedunity1528]

lmao exactly what I was thinking!

[@Nute1985]

😳

[@sunshine3914]

Probably would never convince her any different. Wonder how his family reacted.

[@TheDriftwoodlover]

I wonder if his golf buddy comes to visit him in prison? Such a great guy. Fantastic diligence on this case.

[@SpontaneouslyDeliberate]

Whenever a well-liked person is arrested for a terrible crime, you get people who say stuff like that. Their confidence in their ability to judge other people's character based just on their own interactions makes them look extra stupid.

[@Theaddora]

My God.. you're here for THAT reason? Yeah, we are, old man. Even though it's been awhile you still murdered somebody!!

[@susanbengston3208]

Yes, the perp’s arrogance and ignorance are stunning.

[@angel2000317]

Right? And then him crying and telling his wife he didn't know why they were there, but then telling her they were going to put him in jail. He just couldn't bring himself to admit it to her.

[@resarm5007]

2 somebody's. And r a teen girl.

[@mrwaynemsmith]

Outstanding.

[@vb9043]

I just couldn't stop watching.

[@kellygoodman4773]

One of the best 48 hours I've watched.

[@petratuccino717]

Same ❤

[@E-Kat]

Not for the people who got murdered and the woman who got raped!!!! How can you be so devoid of any traces of empathy? My apologies to everyone who's offended by this heartless comment.

[@kellygoodman4773]

@E-Kat Wow. No one is saying its great that people got killed and hurt. They handled the subject matter extremely well and the show was interesting. That is all. Geez. Maybe you should go watch something else.

[@jenna-a-gogo]

The why question was never really answered. How does someone go on a one night rampage, raping, robbing, and murdering, then never do it again for the rest of their life? Did he commit a lot more crimes over the years and just get away with them? Or was this literally a one-time thing? Was he on drugs? Did he find God the next day or something? I just don't get it.

[@susanbengston3208]

It’s total b.s. on his part.

[@zombiechicken7114]

Or was he just better at not getting caught?

[@BrendaBaBoom]

He was hardcore evil. Probably got away with a lot of horrible crimes.

[@StofStuiver]

Its possible someone changes bc of this. The alternative is that you will end up doing more crime, hurting more people and dying young, or spending your entire life in prison. I think it was a wake up call for him. Why he got to that day is probably resentment, jealousy, leading to that rape. The cops were accidental, but the actual trigger to change.

[@johndavis9432]

@@StofStuiver Spare me .Where did you get that stupid idea? After committing two acts of unforgivable evil he changed.Yeah sure he did.

[@janvan113]

I truly feel the widow's pain. I saw her face in the funeral clip. Grief, is the only word to describe it. And having an argument with a spouse who dies before that argument can be resolved, it is relentless guilt and pain, for that alone. I lost my husband in 1989 to a fatal motorcycle accident. Things were going difficult between us. There are no words for the devastation and feeling so guilty for harsh words. Those words can never be resolved, they can never be taken back. You can never make it better. It is frozen in time. And it remains that way, for decades. People, do not let your loved one leave the house before the harsh words are resolved. Trust me on that one. You don't know me, but I know this.

[@jps3b]

There’s a reason they call the Los Angeles county sheriffs homicide bureau "Bulldogs". They never give up and they caught this murderer. My father worked sheriffs homicide bureau from 1989-2000 when he retired after 30 years of service to Los Angeles county. My cousin now works there to carry the touch for our family. God bless our law enforcement

[@Grammichal]

Amen!! ❤️🇺🇸💙🇺🇸❤️

[@MadlyneDeziah]

So sad 😢 Watching from Eastern Africa Kenya 🇰🇪.

[@cindytrayer4279]

Now that’s a lawyer I can get behind! Great job with every single person involved in solving this case!

[@lisa.user-xm7kz2tb6x]

A fascinating story! I was glued. Condolences to all of the victims, family & friends. Best wishes.

[@keithfoote2012]

Watching from India... excellent investigation.

[@elik.1243]

My heart goes out to the ramped girl. She seems just a footnote here. I hope she found healing and peace.

[@Z8Q8]

Him saying: "You're here for THAT?" makes me think he did worse crimes; but of course he wasn't going to mention anything else.

[@resarm5007]

Or he thought they were there for something more recent. And was surprised that they were there for something so old and was sure he got away with.

[@Aspasia2929]

This guy didn’t rob a gas station he RAPED a teenage girl then MURDERED two young policemen. Why wasn’t the rape mentioned in court? Chances are that girl’s life was a shadow of what it would have been; especially as a rape victim in the back then who would have worn a SCARLET LETTER for years. Even though she was a victim people would have seen her and treated her differently. I hope I’m wrong and she got the love and support she needed to heal and has (or had) the wonderful life she deserved!

[@karaDee2363]

Such an amazing story. And so happy they finally solved the case and got their killer..

[@donnabremerman1423]

Such dedication by the El Segundo law enforcement. The lengths they went to find the perpetrator is extraordinary. Police do not get the recognition or respect they deserve.

[@CA-zn9bq]

Not all of them deserve respect. Just some.

[@shelteredsparrow2736]

Well said

[@lillyanna8432]

this proves that you never truly know anyone...Glad he was finally put away!

[@leslielutz6140]

EXCELLENT !!!!

[@BrianWVM23]

I’ve been looking for this episode for years!!!

[@c2itccase9]

What about the rape?

[@jenna-a-gogo]

The poor girl hardly got a mention.

[@tellurye]

Statute of limitations ran out on the rape, burglary, and kidnapping charges. They could only get him for the murders.

[@furball192]

Imo it wasn't just rape it was rape of a child

[@rachelsill79]

​​@@telluryewhy are you lying?Charges could have be brought because Mr. Mason had left California within three years of the crimes, which suspends the state statute of limitations. "Mason pleaded guilty to the murders and was sentenced to two consecutive life terms, with a minimum of seven years. As part of the deal, the rape, robbery and grand theft charges were dropped, which spared surviving victims from having to testify and Mason's family from having to listen to testimony about how he'd raped a teenage girl."

[@rachelsill79]

As part of the plea deal they dropped the rape and burglary charge. The statute of limitations had nothing to do with it

[@JustAThought155]

He couldn’t feel too bad, he never gave himself up until he was caught. That’s not feeling or being sorry for anything…except being caught years later.

[@OffendingTheOffendable]

Everything was great in '57. Separate bathrooms and drinking fountains. Sun down towns. What a wonderful time🙄

[@ilboi1789]

My mother taught me at a young age what you do in the dark will always come to light 💡

[@Elisabeth-s8j]

Sure

[@MAMMASALI86]

He didn't make a mistake but it was his choice and he knows very well that he committed an evil act that destroyed the lives of other people's families.. I don't think anyone or he can pay for it but justice has been served.. Thank you so much for all the team and God bless everyone every day ❤

[@benjaminwilson4558]

"He put up flood lights and built my grill!" His past is now "EXEMPT" ! 😮

[@resarm5007]

Right? 😮😢 But not if it was THEIR family member robbed, r'd or m'd!

[@graciethfaria3184]

A couple mistakes!! with two murders and one rape is crazy

[@molliwilson5639]

Sounds like something a defense attorney would say.

[@ClaudiaGoodman-tt9ho]

Just riveting! Couldn't wait to find out who the guy was and that they had finally cought him. I am so grateful for all the work and time thus detectives put onto the case and wonderful for the family to put this to rest although i am sure the pain of the loss is forever.

[@kimmymarshall4257]

When he said, that's what you're here for,? Yup, guilty and that man that said he made couple mistakes, like WTH. How murdering 2 cops and raping someone is just a mistake.

[@LotsofLisa]

To reminisce about how “back in the day” it was safe, while in the same breath, reporting on 2 cops that were executed out of nowhere while a bunch of teens were robbed, graped and almost murdered is incredibly odd to the point of ridiculous. It’s never been completely safe anywhere at anytime. Especially the big cities, but the small towns have always had their tragedies too. And in 1957, it wasn’t safe from violent crimes for entire demographics of people. Looking the other way only helps people keep their illusion of perceived safety.

[@philippamediwake1235]

I think nowadays many crimes are committed by perpetrators under the influence of drugs. Places were safer back then. Serial killings really got going during the seventies. Years ago people lived in smaller communities where everyone knew each other. There would have been things going on for sure but the abject violence that we hear about now is escalating for sure.

[@LotsofLisa]

@@philippamediwake1235 I don’t disagree with you. There’s always been something that angers me when people say it was “safer back then…” as a true crime consumer, I’m like, “What!? Where!? When?!…”

[@sonjaheck3156]

I hate those types of posts, especially on Facebook. Boston Strangler, Richard Speck, and so many others were around in the 60s. Terrible crimes against kids too.

[@misstara322]

They meant it was less common. So, yes, less crime and less frequent crimes, means it was safer.

[@LotsofLisa]

@@misstara322 I disagree. We can now just see it all, live, as it happens, because of technology, cameras literally everywhere and a 24 hour news cycle.

[@Robin-xt7yo]

Praise to law enforcement to never giving up the search. Condolences to the children and wives of the fallen officers.

[@MaryHogan_TrailsByTrike]

This was so well done. A fascinating story.

[@CHERYLee-s6r]

Amazing work!

[@Wistful77]

Fascinating story. Thank you.

[@Tatlone]

The incidental references to his rape of that young girl is maddening.

[@ImSharmelis]

Such a sad case. Tho this episode was well put! Wow!

[@J_Smith18748]

I understand the statute of limitations prevented them from charging him for attacking and harm, but they hardly mentioned it.

[@rachelsill79]

It had absolutely nothing to do with the statute of limitations. They charged him with the rape and as part of the plea bargain they dropped the charges. Charges could have been brought because Mr. Mason had left California within three years of the crimes, which suspends the state statute of limitations. The same reason Donald Trump can be tried in New York even though the statute of limitations has expired because he moved to Florida before the statute of limitations expired

[@sigma_curry]

Damn it took 46 years.

[@oblivion85]

He was stripped away from his family and dignity just like he had done to the two cops and the young teen.

[@E-Kat]

If he were truly remorseful, he would have come forward years ago!! I feel so very sorry for his unfortunate victims and their poor families ❤

[@onevisualeye_]

The pocket watch ⌚ is a very sweet gesture 💕

[@TheeccenteictherapistBellaneph]

Everyone says "he was so nice. There's no way. " that's what these psychos do

[@donquixote8462]

They're normally people that go out of their way to try to be nice to everyone for that very reason. There are some people I work with that rub me the wrong way for that very reason. Strangely eager to help and be overly friendly in a weird forced way. Psychopath behavior.

[@aprilmorrison9627]

Im happy for those who suffered so long to find answers.....and appreciative of those faithful law enforcement officials who never gave up.

[@TheDriftwoodlover]

Thank you for putting up an episode that hasn’t been put up, pulled down and put up again soon after. More please.

[@NondescriptMammal]

14:03 It makes no sense when the narrator says "There was just one problem with that theory..." and mentions that the car had not yet been reported stolen. Well the guy who shot the policemen wouldn't know that at that time! So the theory that he shot them because he thought they might be looking for the car and the rapist still makes perfect sense. How could the writers of this episode not grasp that?

[@DivaDivaFashionista]

I have seen this one a bunch of times but I still watched because the police work and storytelling are A1

[@dublintvcontent2023]

Amazing story. Great reflection on the police.

[@ABCDEF-pf2nt]

What s that... guy saying about "mistakes". Unbelievable. Dangerously unbelievable.

[@jps3b]

This is one of my favorite episodes of 48.

[@beautywithqueeniekeisha]

This makes my morning! ☺️ I watch 48 Hours while getting ready for work in the morning. 🙌🏾

[@bigcee2898]

This is one of the best 48 hours I've watched 💙💯 ty ☺️ team

[@imabosssorta1923]

That dumpster fire in the form of a man is not sorry for what he did. He was hoping he was taking this to his grave and never seeing justice. Someone who is sorry owns up to what they did and accepts the consequences.

[@ZaahirJappie]

48 hours can really piece together cases we've seen before, but in a better, more detailed way.